Design

Design

Head of Department - Mrs Williams

INTENT  

The Design and Technology department aims to create a stimulating learning environment where students learn about materials, processes and creative designing and thinking.  We adopt an iterative design process which avoids design fixation and encourages originality. 

During key stage 3, students experience a variety of material areas and projects within a termly carousel. The 3-year course is designed to cover the requirements of the national curriculum which provides students with the necessary skills needed for KS4 Engineering. 

Students undertake a Technical Award qualification which is on the vocational pathway. As there is a large engineering industry in and around Liverpool, pupils are taught skills which will help them in future employment within the industry. 

IMPLEMENTATION 

At key stage 3, pupils are taught on a carousel system with Food Tech. They have three, one-hour lessons over a two-week period and swap subjects during February half term. At key stage 4 the pupils have 5, one-hour lessons per two weeks. 

Students are taught to use a range of materials, tools and equipment to design and improve the world around them. 

They also use a range of strategies to think and design creatively when faced with problems and challenges. 

Through product analysis, students can make informed choices as consumers of products and technology. 

Pupils are taught to evaluate and understand the key principles of design and the impact design and technology has on society by examining design icons and learning about their design and manufacture and also the historical impact on society that they have had. Environmental issues are taught through various means including the choice of materials including their cost, re-cyclability, ethical issues regarding sustainability and low impact energy use through traditional hand tool use. They also look at modern manufacturing and scale of production through use of the laser cutter in certain projects. 

The following skills and knowledge are assessed throughout the projects: 

Designing 

• Annotate design ideas using the acronym ACCESS FM. 
• Represent design ideas using a range of techniques including modelling and CAD. 
• Use relevant research to inform and develop creative design ideas. 

Making 

• Work safely and independently using a range of tools and equipment to produce high quality products. 
• Being confident in cutting, bending, shaping and joining different types of materials  

Evaluating 

• Reflecting on their progress and ability. 
• Analysing and evaluating the work of others to influence their own work.  

Technical Knowledge  

• Understand the main categories and properties of common DT materials. 
• To be able to identify the impact DT has on wider social, environmental and moral issues.