Design Technology

All pupils in Key Stage 2 enjoy a creative curriculum approach to design and technology. The work within the subject is generated from a theme that informs all the teaching and learning across subjects. Every half term the topic changes to a new exiting theme.

Within the themes in DT, and through making within focused practical tasks, pupils explore and experience different materials from graphic materials like paper and card to more resistant materials such as wood. Pupils study the basics of material properties alongside practical skills in measuring & marking, cutting and decorating.

Through designing pupils can be creative and also start to understand how choices have to work within restrictions. Pupils are also introduced to the possibilities of the work shop for making and creating along with health and safety aspects.

Pupils in Key stage 3 complete a series of projects around a half term long that build on their experience of resistant materials to include metal and plastic as well as other areas of the DT curriculum such as textiles and systems and control.

Pupils further study material properties alongside practical skills in measuring & marking, cutting, shaping, (including workshop machines) and finishing. Through designing, pupils can be creative and are encouraged to problem-solve by not only working within the restrictions of a design brief and through developing a specification but start to design for other people themselves.

Pupils in Key Stage 4 focus on the resistant materials aspect of the DT curriculum and start by building on their knowledge and skills of the properties of wood metal and plastic as well as their practical skills.

All pupils undertake ‘design and make tasks’ set by AQA for entry level  to achieve AQA Unit Award. Pupils work within the design task around lighting and use 21st century technologies to produce an e-folio including video clips to explain material choices, design developments, planning, processes, and evaluating all aspects.