Design Engineering: DT

The Design Technology Department provides students with ambitious, creative opportunities to develop intellectually challenging practical and theoretical problem-solving skills which can be applied to all aspects of their lives. It allows students in Key Stage 3-5 to explore both the natural and ever-changing manmade world, taking inspiration from the work around them, producing inspiring creative solutions to problems which they may encounter through ‘products of worth’. Skills are taught progressively through Design Engineering and Textiles allowing students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in other subjects, particularly Maths, Science and Art; rooted in technical knowledge and vocabulary.

All teaching of Design Technology follows the iterative design process, which ensures students actively question their development in this subject, thus growing an aptitude to learning and independent working, with the ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely. Typically, students will manage their directed time through research, analysis, development of concepts, manufacture of an artifact/ prototype and evaluating their journey in the classroom, normally via 6-12 week projects. The focus becomes the journey in which students critically analyse previous work and in turn consider where they will direct improvements in the future. Through our extended curriculum, we are able to further build on skills that allow students to progress outside the taught curriculum, giving them the tool kit to study this subject into further/ higher education and the workplace.

Minimum Entry Criteria

Desired: 7 in Design Technology, a related subject or contact the school if you have not studied the subject at GCSE

Essential: 6 in Design Technology a related subject or contact the school if you have not studied the subject at GCSE

Board

AQA

Outline of the Course

Year 12

Students develop a range of products across 1 year in the form of a portfolio of design sheets and products such as a portable radio or a piece of conceptual furniture. Students should be able to design creatively, with skills such as drawing, rendering, 3D computer modelling and using technologies such as 3D printing will be taught early on. This allows the students to develop their skills through a variety of different projects, which is assessed internally. There is an internal examination component too based on Paper 1 which assesses core technical, design and making principles. The first project our students will tackle is the ‘milkmaid stool’, a project that has been incredibly successful in developing core workshop skill using a variety of machines, before moving onto a major project where they design and develop a portable radio based on a Dieter Rams.

Year 13

Using the skills learnt in Year 12, students have the opportunity to design anything, so long as it satisfies a chosen need or problem. Past projects have included: a wooden pushbike, electric guitars, chairs, bedside furniture, cots for babies, accessible outdoor loungers. Students are taught how to use a wide range of tools and equipment in our very well equipped design rooms. A portfolio of work is developed alongside a product. Paper 1 is assessed in Year 13, as well as Paper 2 which assesses specialist knowledge of technical design and making principles.

Assessment

Bridging Task - Design Engineering:DT