Introduction to Design & Technology
This subject combines intelligence and practical ability to create real products to enhance the world in which we live. When products are imagined, designed and then made, it creates an enormous sense of satisfaction and leads to a sense of achievement. Design and Technology is not about always giving the right answer, it is more about asking the right questions.
Students learn how to overcome obstacles, how to plan systematically, develop their sense of judgement and extend their horizon, and produce artefacts that are a delight to them. The skills they learn and develop are interchangeable. They enhance and support the work in other subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computing and Art.
Design and Technology is all about life, and making life better. It is, quite literally, the nuts and bolts of society. If you eat, sleep, breathe, wear clothing, use technology and do any activity you are engaging with Design and Technology. You could be the next person to have a fantastic idea to improve the lives of millions – who would not want to be a part of that?
Curriculum content
Key Stage 3
During KS3, students will study the different areas of Design and Technology by undertaking lessons in Engineering, Product Design, Architecture, Graphic Design (EPAG), Food Preparation and Nutrition and Fashion and Textiles. Each subject is delivered by a specialist teacher. The KS3 course has making at its heart but also develops a wide range of creative, design and technical skills. Students may work with a set design context or theme in mind. They may find solutions to problems they identify or they could complete short tasks to develop their thinking and making skills.
In Year 9, pupils choose one of the Design & Technology subjects listed below. This will allow them to study the chosen area in greater depth.
- Engineering, Product Design, Architecture, Graphic Design (EPAG)
- Food Preparation and Nutrition
- Fashion & Textiles
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, all pupils will all undertake a coursework component in their chosen discipline. Some of the subjects also have an exam requirement.
These are shown on the chart below:
| Food preparation and nutrition | Architecture, Product design, Engineering and Graphics (APEG | Textiles and fashion | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Non Exam Assessment (NEA) 50% of final grade | Non Exam Assessment (NEA) 50% of final grade | Component 1 and Component 2 (Externally Sat Assignment) 100% of the final grade |
| Written exam | 50% of final grade | 50% of final grade | No Exam |
Design and Technology – KS3
- During KS3 students undertake designing and making tasks which allows them to develop confidence in their practical skills. Projects are linked to core concepts and theory so students have a broader understanding of the subject’s relevance. Students are always challenged to overcome design problems and think critically about existing designs and their impact on our lives.
- Exam Board and Syllabus: AQA Design and Technology – Design and Technology (8552)
- Students studying AQA Design and technology will go into more depth around designing and making skills, accessing more of the department’s tools, machinery and IT facilities, so they will become more independent and confident by the time they reach Year 11.
- In their final year, the students will undertake a single NEA (non exam assessment) project. These projects are set by the exam board and interpreted by the students. This will account for 50% of their final mark. They will also be taught deeper and broader theory and concepts of design and technology. This will prepare them for their written exam in Year 11, worth the remaining 50% of their GCSE.
How students will be assessed at the end of the course
- Non Exam Assessment (50%)
- Exam (50%)
- Enrichment opportunities
Partnership working with a range of STEM related companies including TfL, Open City and participation in competitions and visits.
Food Preparation & Nutrition is a subject which is based upon teaching key life skills through ensuring students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, healthy eating, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, the subject focuses on nurturing students’ practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition.
KS3
At KS3 your daughter will be learning the following:
- How to understand and apply the principles of nutrition and health.
- How to cook a repertoire of predominantly savoury dishes so that they become skilled in making meals for a healthy and varied diet.
- How to apply the food safety principles when preparing, cooking and serving food.
- Competency in a range of cooking techniques including: selecting and preparing ingredients; using utensils and electrical equipment; applying heat in different ways; using awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how best to season dishes and combine ingredients; adapting and using their own recipes.
- The functional properties of food.
- An understanding of the source, seasonality and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients.
KS4
Exam Board and Syllabus: AQA Food Preparation and Nutrition (8585)
Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
- Food, nutrition and health – Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Nutritional Needs and Health.
- Food science – Cooking of food, Heat Transfer and the Functional and Chemical Properties of Food.
- Food safety – Food Spoilage, Contamination and the Principles of Food Safety.
- Food choice – Factors affecting Food Choice, British and International Cuisines, Sensory Evaluation, Food Labelling and Marketing
- Food provenance – Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Food, Food Processing and Production.
How students are assessed at the end of the course
- Non Exam Assessment 1 -Food Investigation Written Report (15%)
- Non Exam Assessment 2 -Food Preparation Assessment Written Report (35%)
- Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes (50%)
What careers can this course lead to?
Studying food preparation and nutrition can lead to exciting and well paid career options. Consumers are becoming increasingly reliant on the food industry to develop solutions for their nutritional needs. This course could lead you into roles such as a Chef, Food Product Developer, Buyer (who travels the world sourcing new food products for manufacturers), Food Safety Inspectors, Nutritionists, Dieticians, Quality Managers, Teacher, Food Engineer, Food Scientist, Food Technologist, Food Photographer, Food Stylist, Home Economist, Hotel and Restaurant Manager, Microbiologist, working in food magazines, radio and television – for more information on food careers please visit here.
Enrichment opportunities
Visits to the Borough Market for GCSE students and masterclasses are offered.
This engaging practical course will challenge students to develop their critical understanding of textiles through a series of coherent and meaningful learning experiences. Students are encouraged to work creatively and they will be expected to habitually take calculated risks to develop their technical skills and knowledge through exploration and experimentation.
KS3
In KS3 we focus on nurturing an enthusiasm for Fashion and Textiles by allowing students to develop a broad range of practical skills including hand and machine techniques. We look at the work of contemporary and classical artists and designers. This helps students to develop their critical and observational skills paying close attention to the composition of their work.
In Year 9, the emphasis is on garment manufacturing techniques. Students will gain experience in the areas of fashion design, printed fabrics, digital textiles and embellished textiles. They also work with an increasingly wider range of media and materials. Schemes of Learning are sequential, allowing students to become increasingly independent as they prepare for KS4.
KS4
Exam Board and Syllabus: WJEC Eduqas GCSE Art and Design (Textile Design) C653QS
In Years 10 and 11, students will continue to develop their skills by undertaking comprehensive projects to explore, experiment, design and create a number of personal outcomes. Students are guided to take ownership of their own project.
They could work in some or all of the following areas:
- constructed textiles,
- digital textiles,
- dyed/printed fabrics,
- fashion design
- embellished textiles.
As part of the course, students are expected to undertake a number of visits to galleries and museums such as the V&A or Design Museum so that they can appreciate textiles in both an historical and/or contemporary context. Locations for visits vary depending on exhibitions and projects on offer.
How the students are assessed at the end of the course
Final grades are based entirely on portfolios of work and final practical outcomes.
Marks are derived as follows:
| Year 10 and 11 (September to December) | Year 11 (January to April) |
| Portfolios of work and final practical outcomes 60% of overall mark | Externally Set Assignment (ESA) comprising a portfolio of work and a final practical outcome 40% of overall mark |
Enrichment opportunities
A range of KS3 and KS4 clinics are offered alongside visits to various museums and art galleries.