Head's Welcome
Login
Close

A Warm Welcome to Huxlow

At Huxlow we believe that students who are happy, feel safe and are taught well will enjoy school and as a result be successful.

We are passionate about caring for our students, ensuring that they are all known as individuals. Ofsted June 2016 stated that “everyone in the school puts pupil’s well-being at the centre of everything they do”.

Students are challenged to be as good as they possibly can be and supported to achieve this. Academic success is hugely important to us and we have a rich history of students of all abilities and from a wide variety of backgrounds achieving as well as they could.

However, schools are about far more than academic success and we believe that developing “The Whole Child” is one of our core responsibilities. In order to enjoy a successful adult life it is important that our students develop characteristics such as leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative, and communication.

I am hugely proud of our school and am happy to extend an invitation to all Parents/ Carers to come and visit us during the school day. Please contact us on enquiries@huxlow.northants.sch.uk and we will arrange a convenient time.

Mr S Gordon
Headteacher

Design Technology

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, students are given the opportunity to develop their capability through assignments in which they design and make products, focusing on different contexts using Resistant Materials, Graphics, Food and Textiles. To give them a broad experience of Design and Technology, in Years 7-8 students rotate around each of the subject areas.

Design Technology Year 7

Design Technology Year 8

Our Goal: “At Huxlow every individual is empowered to fulfil their potential”

To fulfil your potential at Key Stage 3 you should:

  • Complete weekly KS3 homework activities, published on Show My Homework, which are directly linked to the learning of subject knowledge and the understanding of each discipline being studied.

Key Stage 4

A range of courses are offered at KS4:

  • Year 9 study the New 2017 Technical Award Level 1-2 in either Visual Communication, Material Technology or Fashion & Textiles.
  • Year 10 study the New 2017 GCSE Design Technology. This course is divided into 2 elements: Subject content, knowledge and understanding (50%) and Controlled Assessment coursework (50%).
  • Year 11 study the existing GCSE Design and Technology. This course is divided into 2 elements: Subject content, knowledge and understanding (40%) and Controlled Assessment coursework (60%).

Technical Award Level 1-2
 Visual Communication Year 9

Technical Award Level 1-2
 Material Technology 
Year 9

Technical Award Level 1-2
 Fashion and Textiles 
Year 9

WJEC Level 1/2 
Hospitality and Catering 
Year 9

GCSE Product Design 
Year 10

GCSE Product Design / Textiles Technology 
Year 11

Hospitality 
Year 11

Our values #2: “Everyone is ambitious and welcomes the challenge of being the best they can”

To be the best you can be at Key Stage 4 you should:

  • Complete weekly KS4 homework activities, published on Show My Homework, which are directly linked to the learning of subject knowledge and the understanding of each discipline being studied.

Assessment

Module tests are undertaken by all students to monitor understanding throughout the courses. Mock examinations are undertaken to evaluate the students’ understanding and practise actual DT exam paper formats.

New 2017 Technical Awards Level 1-2 (Visual Communication, Fashion and Textiles, Material Technology)

  • Unit 1: Skills demonstration 30% - Internally assessed, 12 practical skills.
  • Unit 2: Extended making project 30% - Internally assessed. Assessed against planning, making, evaluation and communication.
  • Unit 3: Written exam 40% - Externally assessed, 1 hour 30 minutes.

New 2017 GCSE Design Technology

  • Unit 1: Core technical principles: Specialist technical principles, Design & Make principles 50% - externally assessed.
  • Unit 2: Controlled coursework project – internally assessed and externally moderated 50%

Existing GCSE Design Technology – Product Design and Textiles Technology

  • Unit 1: Subject knowledge and understanding 40% - externally assessed.
  • Unit 2: Controlled coursework project – internally assessed and externally moderated 60%

What can I do with a Design Technology Qualification?

Design and Technology can introduce you to a world of career and opportunities, including:
Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Graphic Design, Product Design, Catering, Hospitality, Fashion Design, Film and television, Photography, Animation, Publishing, Advertising, Exhibition Design, Media, Web Design, Teaching.

Key Stage 5

Huxlow Science College, The Ferrers School and Rushden Academy work together to create a unique post-16 learning community, The East Northamptonshire College (TENC). For details of the full range of courses and opportunities available, please visit www.tenconline.co.uk

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Spring and Easter holiday workshops – KS4 and KS5
  • Visits to: The Design museum, V&A Museum, New designers’ exhibition, Harry Potters world, Grand Designs, Mini Factory, Coke a Cola Factory, Clothes show live.
  • KS3 technology lunchtime workshops
  • University trips
  • Round table challenge
  • STEM activities
  • Crest Award

Department Staff

Mr J Tufnail - Learning Leader Design Technology
Miss C Campbell - Assistant Learning Leader Design Technology
Mrs N Dube - Teacher of Food, Catering and Hospitality
Mr A Meadowsmith - Teacher of Product Design and Resistant Materials
Miss L Broughton - Teacher of Textiles, Pastoral Leader for Year 9
Mrs C Clutterbuck - Design Technology Technician
Mr G Thorley - Design Technology Technician

Further Information

If you would to find out more about the Design Technology curriculum, please contact Mr J Tufnail by calling the school on 01933 650496 or by email j.tufnail@huxlow.northants.sch.uk