At KS3 we are teaching within the National Curriculum, through project work and focussed tasks. D&T is taught on a carousel with food and textiles, pupils spending a third of each year in each department.

In Y7    In Y7 and in Y8 this year pupils are studying design strategies, machinery, safety, material properties, applied numeracy and computer aided design and manufacture.  They will make a lamp which will include thermoforming plastic and soldering their own circuit.  

In Y8 this year pupils are further studying design strategies, sustainability, machinery, safety, material properties, applied numeracy and computer aided design and manufacture.  They will make an eco-themed clock experimenting with a range of materials and processes.  

In Y9 pupils explore product styling, mirroring closer the strategies undertaken within professional practice.   They design and model mobile phones, exploring both their form and future functions.  They use a range of design strategies, such as user centred design to avoid fixation.  A range of communication methods are used, from marker pens to 3D computer aided design.  They study mass production methods, including injection moulding, and thus the need for prototypes, and work practically focussing on quality of finish.  They model using a range of strategies such as using polymer clay, machine saws, laser cutting and 3D printing.  Students go on market their ideas for crowd funding.  The nature of plastics and their sustainability and ethics are also a large component of the Y9 course.

At GCSE and A-Level pupils study Edexcel Design and Technology.

In Y10 pupils undertake a series of small projects, exploring graphic design, engineering, robotics and architecture.  They will use more complex manufacturing methods such as high quality desk-top publishing and more demanding equipment such as a blow torch.  Theories are studied in more depth, for example applying the science of annealing copper to make it more malleable.  Exam style questions are frequently explored.

Y11 is dedicated to the coursework, titles for which are dictated by the exam board. The designing sections are completed electronically.  Pupils have created a wide range of products in the past such as designing wildlife feeders, architectural models and fashion jewellery. Theories such as ergonomic design and mass production systems and techniques are studied.

In Y12 pupils produce an electronic computer based portfolio of skills evidenced through taking on a range of design and make tasks, from designing 3d printed board games to using the wood and centre lathes to make a candlestick to having freedom in choosing tasks for further exploration of the principals studied.  Theory aspects are wide ranging, studying materials from the molecular make up of polymers to the use of composites such as carbon fibre, and studying theories such as inclusive design.

In Y13 pupils work more autonomously, taking on individual design tasks following their own interests. They tend to be much more complex in the problems that need to be solved.  Recent examples include electric guitars, designing a museum, furniture and so on.  Theories studied include how design impacts society and major advances in technology.

For more information on GCSE here to link to the Edexcel website or contact Mr Jason Martindale (Head of DT) [email protected]

For more information on A Level here to link to the AQA website or contact Mr Jason Martindale (Head of DT) [email protected]