Key Stage 3 Design and Technology

In years 7, 8 and 9 students will study design and technology for two hours per week on a carousel system. The carousel will cover 4 areas of D&T and each module will last for 10 weeks. At key stage 3 the four modules of study are, resistant materials, food technology, graphic products and computer based design. This combination of topics will provide students with a range of core basic skills which they can further develop at key stage 4 and obtain a GCSE qualification.

Key Stage 4 GCSE Design and Technology

All Design and Technology subjects studied at GCSE are a combination of designing skills, practical work and theory to support this. The qualification is achieved through a controlled assessment task and a terminal examination. The use of ICT and CAD/CAM is a widely used throughout all D&T subjects.

Graphic Products

Graphics focuses on the designing of items using paper, card and plastics. If you choose to study Graphics you will choose from a range of design and make projects that could include CD packaging design, Cinema merchandise design, poster, leaflet and flyer design, pop-up book design and packaging design.

Food Technology

In Food Technology you will be designing and making products with food in creative, original ways. Candidates are given the opportunity to work with a range of foods gaining knowledge and understanding of their working characteristics.

Amongst the topics covered will be the functions of food products, nutrition, stages of product development. Producing quality outcomes- labelling and packaging, additives and their function, large scale production

Product Design

Product Design is a combination of all the technology subjects. If you choose to study Product Design you will make a product in the workshop but also combine this with graphics to design and manufacture all of the packaging and instructions that you would expect to find if you bought that product in a shop

Resistant Materials

Resistant Materials focuses on the manufacture of items using woods, metals and plastics. If you choose to study Resistant Materials you will produce a range of design and make projects that will include furniture making, jewellery making and light metalworking.

Electronic Products

Electronics is about understanding how electrical products work. It involves learning about electrical safety, simple circuit designs, electronic components and electrical systems.

During this time you will develop your skills and knowledge of electrical systems, resulting in you being able to design and make your own small electrical products.

Controlled Assessment in Design and Technology

The Controlled Assessment takes place in the second half of the course. It is done in school in your normal classroom environment. The controlled assessment accounts for a total of 60% of your final grade. This coursework is assessed regularly and you will be given regular feedback which you will use to evaluate what grade you are achieving and how to improve.

There is a terminal examination after the Controlled Assessment. This accounts for the remainder of the GCSE (40%). It will assess your designing skills and knowledge and understanding of the Design and Technology subject you are studying.