Design Technology
Why Art and D&T?
The subject areas under the umbrella of DT & Art will teach your child how to take risks and so become more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable.
These subjects are creative; which is important for us to develop and have a well rounded view of the world around us. But they also pull in and apply the knowledge learned elsewhere in the school. Making sense of the knowledge they are collecting and learning to apply it in other scenarios.
What will be offered in KS3?
We currently work on a carousel or rotation system in KS3. This means in a year students will study all of the main DT specialisms; Resistant materials, Textiles, Graphics, Food.
Each project runs for approximately 9-10 weeks, where students will explore and develop their skills in each area and come away with confident new knowledge. We aim to offer a wide view on cultures and ethics within the creative sphere of DT.
Year 7 - Rotation (9-10 weeks each)
Food - Diet & Health
Graphics - Drinks packaging
RM - Photo frame
Textiles - Embroidered monster
Year 8 - Rotation (9-10 weeks each)
Food - Multi-cultural cooking
Graphics - Typography poster
RM - Desk tidy
Textiles - Phone wallet
Year 9 - Rotation (9-10 weeks each)
Food - Street food
Graphics - Music album cover
RM - Tealight holder
Textiles - Under the sea drawstring bag
Art is taught outside of the rotation system meaning that they will have access to 2 art lessons across a fortnight timetable. Here students will develop and refine their skills and knowledge of the formal elements and apply these skills to responses based on inspiration by other artists. We expose our students to different inspiration points and widen their world view, embedding our British values and respect for other cultures. We explore a wide range of techniques and materials to give your child a fully rounded experience of Art.
What to expect from GCSE and onwards:
If your child has a passion for one of our many subject options, they will be able to make a GCSE choice towards the end of Year 9.
At GCSE we currently offer:
Art / Photography / Graphics / Resistant materials / Hospitality & Catering
At A-Level we currently offer:
Product Design
Course Content:
Component 1 includes calculations, short-open and open-response questions, as well as extended-writing questions focused on analysis and evaluation of design decisions as well as the wider issues in design including ethical and environmental impacts. Below are the topics that are covered.
Materials, Performance characteristics of materials, Processes and techniques, Digital technologies, Factors influencing the development of products, Effects of technological developments, Potential hazards and risk assessment, Features of manufacturing industries, Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment, Current legislation, Information handling, Modelling and forward planning, Further processes and techniques.
Component 2 is an independent extended project where you will produce a portfolio of approximately 40 sides of A3 paper documenting the design and make process including: Identifying and outlining possibilities for design, communicating and reviewing tasks with a client, designing a product, making a final working product, evaluating designs and product. The range of learning skills we will explore and develop are vast, below is a lit of a few examples:
Designing and sketching, computer aided design, product/design analysis, model making, reading, note taking, discussions, presentations, collaborative tasks and independent study.
Assessment Overview:
Unit 1: Principles of Design and Technology. Written examination: 2 ½ hours. 50% of the qualification 120 marks.
Unit 2: Component 2: Independent Design and Make Project. 50% of the qualification 120 marks
We review the courses that we offer each year to see if any options need adding or tweaking as we always have your child's best interest at heart.
Ms J Stubbs - Head of Design Technology
Mrs N Dube - Teacher of Food, Catering and Hospitality
Miss S Knighton - Teacher of Design Technology
Ms S Graverner - Teacher of Design Technology
Miss L Pollock - Teacher of Art (Maternity Leave)
Mr A Meadowsmith - Teacher of Design Technology
Mrs C Clutterbuck - Design Technology Technician
Mr R Boyles - Design Technology Technician
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would to find out more about the Design Technology curriculum, please contact Ms J Stubbs by calling the school on 01933 650496 or by email j.stubbs@huxlow.northants.sch.uk