Key Stage 3
In years 7 to 9, D&T is taught in smaller groups. Topics covered are : Food, Electronics, Textiles and Resistant Materials The subject is taught in specialist rooms by specialist teachers. Emphasis is on design and making. ICT and Graphics are integrated into all modules.

Key Stage 4
Separate GCSEs are studied in the individual disciplines at Key Stage 4 (KS4) including a double award in Engineering. We are currently supporting the Local Authority with the development of the Engineering Diploma.

The 2 year GCSE courses involve pupils in using the design process.

60% of the final mark is awarded for a coursework project produced at the end of year 10 and into year 11. The other 40% is for an examination set by the AQA Examinations Board.

Students will be entered for either the foundation tier or the higher tier; this will be decided after the mock examinations in year 11.

GCSE in Resistant Materials
This is a largely workshop based course; students are encouraged to use a wide variety of materials including plastics, metals and woods. Initially design problems are given, but pupils are encouraged to identify their own later on, particularly in year 11. All students taking this course must expect to contribute to the cost of the materials used. This course will appeal to those who enjoy designing solutions to problems and making, using woods, metals and plastics.

GCSE in Graphic Products
Students use a variety of graphical communication skills to show their solutions to a variety of design problems. The resulting designs will be drawn and modelled but do not need to be constructed in the workshop, hence this course provides opportunities for students to tackle assignments that would be difficult or impossible to complete in the workshops.

This course will appeal to students who are interested in showing ideas through graphical methods and understanding drawings produced by others. Students will be expected to contribute to the cost of the items that they make.

GCSE in Product Design
This GCSE subject gives students the opportunity to work on design tasks in a similar way to professional designers.Through the course they will learn about issues such as design methodology, industrial manufacturing, consumerism, packaging and labelling, sustainability, Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing and the history of design. Assessment involves a coursework project that is worth 60% of the final marks for this subject and a single examination paper that is worth 40% and includes questions to test both design skills and subject knowledge.

This subject will appeal to anyone with an interest in designing products, improving them, and understanding how companies such as Ikea go about designing and producing products.

GCSE in Food Technology
This course is mainly taught in the food room and is focused around food practical work. Through the course they will learn about issues such as nutrition, hygiene and safety, New Product Development, characteristics of food and more. Assessment involves a coursework project that is worth 60% of the final marks for this subject which includes practical work. Students will be expected to provide the necessary ingredients on a regular basis.

GCSE in Textiles Technology
This course is concerned with the understanding and use of textiles as a material and the designing and production of textile items. Students will gain knowledge about textiles, fibres and fabrics and their uses in relation to fashion garments, accessories and furnishings. Students will be expected to provide any necessary patterns, fabrics and notions required throughout the course.

GCSE in Engineering
This course consists of two compulsory units. Unit 1 is an external assessment and is a written paper that is worth 40% of the final marks. Unit 2 is a controlled assessment where students work for approximately 40hours to design and make an engineered product. This aspect is worth 60% of the final marks

The course breaks down as follows:

During unit 1 students gain an understanding of the design process, cad/cam, various drawing techniques and a range of hand and machine tools and processes.

In unit 2 they will complete a design task that has been specified by the examination board. This course will provide a broad educational basis for students intent on further training, further education or progressing into a career within the engineering industry. Students will be expected to contribute to the cost of materials for this course and will need to be committed to achieve in this GCSE subject.

Mr M Brind
Head of Design and Technology Faculty

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