Design & Technology
The mission of the faculty is to develop to the highest standards the students’ design and technology capability through combining their Designing and Making skills with Knowledge and understanding in order to make products.
The Design & Technology department includes the three main areas of study: Food, Workshop Practice and Infographics. The experienced staff are committed to developing the needs of individual students to adapt to the challenge of an ever evolving world.
Students undertake focused tasks that develop knowledge, skills and understanding and engage in design and make assignments in different contexts.
All students will experience lessons in Food, Workshop Practice and Infographics throughout KS3. At KS4 we offer Design & Technology and also Food Preparation and Nutrition. At KS5 we offer an A Level in Design and Technology and Level 3 Diploma in Food, Science and Nutrition.
Key Stage 3
Students learn about a wide range of topics and develop their skills and understanding of these whilst undertaking projects in different material areas. All students are assessed against the following key criteria whilst completing the various projects taught:
- Research and Analysis – Students’ ability to carry out research and analyse their findings
- Specification – Students’ ability to create a set of criteria that their product must meet
- Design and Develop – Students’ ability to generate a range of ideas and test them out and improve them
- Plan and Make – Students’ ability to plan the making of their product and demonstrate their skills making it
- Evaluate – Students’ ability to evaluate their work and the work of others
Key Stage 4
Design and Technology (OCR)
This course will prepare learners to become creative and critical thinkers, developing skills to design and deliver prototypes that solve real and relevant problems. It is focused on improving everyday living.
Students will develop and understanding of:
- The concepts of innovation and iterative design,
- the process of “explore > create > evaluate”
This course will prepare them for careers as creative designers, engineers and knowledgeable consumers.
Food preparation and nutrition (AQA)
This exciting and creative course focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. Students will nurture their practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:
- Food, nutrition and health
- Food science
- Food safety
- Food choice
- Food provenance.
Key Stage 5
Design and Technology (OCR)
This is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. This course provides authentic practice, giving students an insight into the way that creative, engineering and/ or manufacturing industries function. Students will be required to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge, understanding and skills and reflects the importance of Design and Technology as a pivotal STEM subject.
Level 3 Diploma in food science and nutrition (WJEC)
This course has been designed to offer exciting, interesting experiences that focus learners through applied learning and the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful, work-related contexts, linked to the food production industry. The course enhances skills whilst developing a firm understanding of food safety, structures of nutrients and diet related learning. This course also provides an understanding of food science and nutrition that is relevant to many industries and job roles. Food writers and nutritionists use this knowledge, as do sports coaches and fitness instructors. Hotels and restaurants, food manufacturers and government agencies also use this understanding to develop menus, food products and policies that support healthy eating initiatives.
