Design Technology

Design & Technology

Subject lead: Julius Charrett-Dykes BEd (Hons)

Purpose of study

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Aims

The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others

Attainment targets

By the end of key stage 3, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.

Key Stage 3 Overview

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of domestic and local contexts [for example, the home, health, leisure and culture] and industrial contexts [for example, engineering, manufacturing, construction and energy].

Implementation - Year Plan Design and Technology

	Term 1	Term 2	Christmas	Term 3	Term 4	Easter	Term 5	Term 6
7	The design and make process. Introduction to materials.			2D and 3D sketching. Research. Finishing. Mini-skate park.			Biomimicry Insect Paperweight. Working with several materials.
8	Movements & Forces Moving Toy Simple motors and mechanisms. Input>Process>Outpu			Reduce/Repurpose/Recycle Treasure Box Simple Circuits			Presenting Design Ideas Drawing/Rendering Modelling/Visualisations My Ideal Room
9	Design for self. Logo and Door Plaque. Components and joining methods.			Design for others Traditional joining methods Kitchen Trivet Evaluation			Independent Design (Preparation for Graphic Design and 3D Design)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impact - What will I learn?

Design

• use research and exploration, such as the study of different cultures, to identify and understand user needs
• identify and solve your own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to you
• develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations
• use a variety of approaches [for example, biomimicry and user-centred design] to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses
• develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations

Make

• select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture
• select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components and ingredients, taking into account their properties

Evaluate

• analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding
• investigate new and emerging technologies
• test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users and other interested groups
• understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists

Technical knowledge

• understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions
• understand how more advanced mechanical systems used in their products enable changes in movement and force
• understand how more advanced electrical and electronic systems can be powered and used in their products [for example, circuits with heat, light, sound and movement as inputs and outputs]
• apply computing and use electronics to embed intelligence in products that respond to inputs [for example, sensors] and control outputs [for example, actuators] using programmable components [for example, microcontrollers]