Subject Intent (D&T)
Design and technology gives young people the skills and abilities to engage positively with the designed and made world. They learn how products and systems are designed and manufactured, how to be innovative and to make creative use of a variety of resources including traditional and digital technologies, to improve the world around them.
We thrive to provide opportunities, which allow students to develop a knowledge of a range of technology areas in KS3 including; product design, textiles, and Food Preparation & Nutrition. Students should grow in confidence through dedicated teaching environments, manufacturing equipment and specialist teaching.
At the centre of the subject is creativity and imagination. Design & Technology is a subject which draws, develops and implements a range of different disciplines including mathematics, science, engineering, computing, geography, business studies and art. The subject embeds high quality literacy skills through analysis and evaluation techniques.
As students’ progress to KS4 they choose an area within Design & Technology to study. In the chosen area, the subject allows for deeper study of the world they live in, potential career opportunities and with the skills developed at KS3 the confidence to task risks, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. The subjects encourages students to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, within a variety of contexts, while considering their own and other’s needs, wants and values.
Food preparation and nutrition equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating.
We strive to educate through a range of teaching strategies which are accessible for all our learners including those that are socially disadvantaged. A range of visual, auditory and kinaesthetic resources are used throughout lessons. Create an environment of confidence where students feel they can experiment, make mistakes and tackle their own design problems. Through high levels of expertise in health and safety students can feel confident to use a range of tools equipment and machinery to develop their knowledge and understanding. Regular use of teacher, technician and student led live modelling to demonstrate processes and applications both practically and theory based.
We aim to enrich our curriculum by establishing cross curricular links. Encouraging students to take part in department and national competitions. Encouraging students to contribute to the life of the school and the community, by working with ‘real’ contexts to develop their skills and knowledge in designing. Developing partnerships with external providers that extend children’s opportunities for learning. We also encourage students to engage in TV shows that can deepen their understanding of design and the world around them.
KS3
Food Technology
Product Design
Textiles