INTRODUCTION Pupils are allocated two hours per week in Design and Technology. In each of Years 7, 8 and 9 all pupils have the opportunity to study Food, Resistant Materials and Textiles. There is one attainment target in Design and Technology: Designing and Making. This Attainment Target is assessed throughout Key Stage 3, and at the end of Year 9 parents receive a report which indicates the National Curriculum level of achievement each pupil has reached.

Pupils are taught technical knowledge and understanding, design strategies and good making skills so that they design what they can make and then make what they have designed.

We use two important types of learning activity:

Year 7

Food

 

Resistant Materials

	*	Understanding the properties of materials
	*	Vacuum forming and fabrication of plastics
	*	Use of computer aided design
	*	Basic practical skills using tools and equipment
	*	Understanding of safe working practice
	*	Producing a photoframe and noughts & crosses game
	*	Basic technical drawing skills
	*	Basic electronics
	*	Producing a ‘Steady Hand’ game

 

Textiles

	*	Simple classification of natural and man made fabrics
	*	Understanding the difference between woven and knitted fabrics
	*	Learning how to use the small equipment and pressing equipment
	*	Identifying parts of the sewing machine and using it safely
	*	Trialling and modelling the effective use of fabric paints and appliqué
	*	Designing and making a quality textile product

Year 8

Food

	*	Understanding nutrition and function of nutrients
	*	Recipe adaptation
	*	Sensory evaluation techniques
	*	Understanding the use of the computer for recipe analysis and presentation of work
	*	Properties and qualities of food
	*	Develop practical skills

 

Resistant Materials

	*	Joining methods of wood
	*	Use of computer aided design
	*	Understanding electronic sensing circuits and soldering
	*	Using tools and equipment with precision
	*	Achieving a high standard of finish
	*	Analysing existing products
	*	Producing a maze and a moisture sensor

 

Textiles

	*	Revise the function and use of the sewing machine
	*	Developing the use of tools and equipment with precision to produce high quality products
	*	Investigating and analysing target groups and existing products
	*	Developing design proposals, high quality sketches, detailed annotation and use of ICT
	*	Produce design specifications for a range of bags
	*	Producing a functional bag
	*	Evaluating finished designs

Year 9

Food

	*	Properties of food materials controlling thickness, texture and flavour
	*	Knowledge of the way food is packaged and advertised
	*	Batch production systems
	*	Considerations necessary for designing and manufacturing new food products
	*	Developing practical and presentation skills

 

Resistant Materials

	*	Designing and making a marketable product
	*	Understanding production methods and manufacturing techniques
	*	Planning a system of manufacture
	*	Developing graphic skills and technical drawing techniques
	*	Systems and control/robotics using Flowol and Lego Dacta
	*	Understanding of levers linkages, and cams
	*	Use of computer aided design
	*	Designing and making a mechanical toy

 

Textiles

	*	Understand the importance of colour and texture
	*	Investigate and explore methods used to transfer design onto fabrics
	*	Trialling and modelling of a variety of techniques
	*	Carry out appropriate research on existing products
	*	Produce detailed planning sheets
	*	Design and make a high quality, marketable product

 

Assessment

Pupils are assessed regularly using tests, end of course exams and National Curriculum levels of attainment. Class work and home learning is marked according to the school marking policy.

Home Learning

Home learning is an essential part of this subject, extending the classroom situation where pupils are expected to research topics and practise design skills. If pupils do not hand in home learning regularly, they will be expected to attend a detention after school so that they keep up with the work. If the teacher feels the pupil is under-performing, the parents will be contacted and strategies worked out to help the pupil overcome the problem. Parental support is essential if pupils are to achieve their full potential.

Beyond the Classroom

There are many opportunities for pupils to extend their experiences by attending extra-curricular activities. This includes

How Parents Can Help

Pupils will be expected to provide various materials throughout the course and we rely on parental support to ensure every pupil has the opportunity to make quality products.

There are other ways parents can help. Additional resources are always welcome and any materials such as wood, paper, fabric, thread, recipe books, catalogues, Tupperware containers, baking tins and dishes etc would be gratefully received.

Securing Success

Parents will be notified either by letter or telephone of any serious concern experienced by the department regarding a pupil’s progress and level of achievement. Following such contact there will be an opportunity to discuss matters further in person. Should parents feel their son/daughter is not making progress, they should contact Sue Shirley or the subject teacher.

Staff to contact

Curriculum Coordinator Design and Technology – Sue Shirley.

 

Subject Leaders

	Food	Janet Harper
	Resistant Materials	Melanie Welch
	Textiles	Sue Shirley