In this section, the Design department provides an overview of the KS3 and KS4 curriculum and resources to aid revision and support progress.

Department Contacts

Assessment

All students complete one assessment every term; this enables us to monitor their progress and effectively organise intervention when necessary. This can be in the form of a Pre-Public Exam at KS4 or an evaluation of the product and coursework at KS3. This allows us to create Personal Learning Plans for students so that they can progress through the subject at their own pace and structure.

Curriculum overview

KS3 Curriculum

In years 7, 8 and 9, the students follow a carousel system whereby they experience 4 areas of DT within the year.  They all focus on 4 areas of assessment within the design umbrella.

• Investigate – research into the user, previous designers, existing products and the impact of design on people and the environment. New and emerging technologies and their role in society.
• Design - the students are either given a direct brief to design from or given a chosen problem to solve through design. Designing includes drawing, sketching and modelling in both 2D and 3D forms. It is also an opportunity to use our various CAD system to model and design.
• Make – all students are encouraged to make a product from the materials supplied by each area. This can take the form of metal, plastics, wood, textiles and all of the accompanying components to complete their product.

• Evaluate – students all have to evaluate their product to whatever standard and finish they achieve. This can take the form of simple tests to see if the product is safe, reliable, fit for purpose to questionnaires that they ask the wider school and home population.

KS4 Curriculum

At KS4 the technology department follows two exam formats these being GCSE Design Technology and BTEC in both Engineering and Construction.

Year 10 GCSE Design Technology follows the new format of exam where the students have to complete an NEA (non-exam assessment) and a written exam.

The students taking this course have key areas in which to focus and have a clear PLC for them to follow and record their progress. Throughout the course they will be tested on each area with exams and through making of both individual and joint projects within the class.

Over the two years they will gain a working knowledge of:

• Materials and their properties
• Energy generation and storage
• Mechanical devices
• Systems approach to design
• Developments in new materials
• Specialist technical principles
• Designing and making principles

All of this will culminate in an NEA in year 11 with a terminal exam in June/July.