Key Stage 4: Design and Technology
Curriculum Intent
In Design and Technology students combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They also learn to think creatively and solve real life problems to improve the life of others in society by becoming entrepreneurs.
Working with stimulating contexts that provide a range of creative opportunities, are drawn from local communities and cultures resulting in students identifying the needs and wants of others. They respond with creative ideas and products which consider aesthetic, ergonomic, cultural, social, economic, industrial and environmental issues. As the do so, they evaluate present and past design and its impact on 21st century design.
Through Design and Technology, students develop confidence in using practical skills and becoming critical and more informed users of products. They apply creative thinking and learn to innovate.
Curriculum overview
AQA GCSE Design and Technology
Core Technical Principles
Specialist Technical Principles
Designing and Making Principles
Exam- 50%
Non-Examined Assessment- 50%
All course content covered in both exam and NEA.
Throughout Year 10 students are guided through a range of designing and making assignments and theory lessons to allow them to develop the skills and knowledge required to become informed, confident and proficient designers, equipped with the broad range of skills required to realise their designs in a specialist materials category (wood and timber).
In Year 11 students are largely occupied with completing their non-examined assessment task, whilst also gaining knowledge and understanding in preparation for their final exam.
https://www.technologystudent.com/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zby2bdm
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552
Extra-curricular activities
The Department provides one hour a week, Commit to Six support sessions in the summer term of Year 10 and throughout Year 11.
