Design & Technology
The study of Design & Technology enhances the quality of students’ learning through developing attitudes of co-operation and collaboration.
It encourages creative thinking, independence of thought, perseverance, the
development of craft skills and the ability to offer a critical evaluation of their work. It encourages students to think about safety and the need for discipline in what can be a potentially dangerous environment. Students learn to recognise needs, wants and opportunities within society and respond to these by producing a range of ideas and products.
Students learn about our technological heritage and about influence of technology in society.
Design and Technology prepares young people for this society. It enables them to understand how to think and intervene creatively to improve the world, combining their knowledge with understanding of aesthetics and function.
Students should build up knowledge and skills concerning the use of designing and materials in a variety of contexts and specialisms:
- Materials (wood, plastics and metals)
- Fashion & Textiles
- Electronics
- Paper and Board
Care has been taken to ensure that continuity and progression have been considered when courses have been designed in all three key stages and we use the Eduqas examination board to enable this.
At GCSE you are able to take
- DT - Product Design
- DT – Fashion & Textiles
- DT – Graphics
Email the department: jenkinsr@uptonhigh.co.uk
Curriculum
Intent
The intent of the Design and Technology curriculum is to develop learners to enjoy and understand the design and making process.
Learners actively contribute to their own creativity, cultural wealth and well-being enabling opportunities for learners to develop and apply value judgements of an aesthetic, economic, moral, social, and technical nature both in their own designing and when evaluating the work of others.
The Design and Technology curriculum at Upton by Chester High School teaches learners how to take risks and become more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable. At its core is creativity and imagination. Learners design and make products and techniques that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts.
As part of their learning journey in Design and Technology, learners will explore the use of metals, timbers, plastics, paper & card, textiles and electronics within the following areas:-
- Designing – through research; exploration; problem solving; specifications; communication; different cultures and needs
- Making - using tools, techniques, processes, equipment machinery, CAD, CAM. Develop knowledge of materials uses and properties & components.
- Evaluating - Analysis of designs; investigate technologies; test, evaluate and refine ideas. Understand developments in D&T and impact on society/individuals
- Technical Knowledge and skills - Properties and functions of materials. Mechanical, electrical and electronic systems; performance of structural solutions
These areas will allow all learners to :-
- To develop their creativity through a variety of innovative and practical activities
- To engage in an iterative process of designing and making.
- To get the understanding and skills to work in a range of domestic and local contexts, for example, the home, health, leisure and culture and industrial settings
- Select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment, and machinery precisely.
- To select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, and components, taking into account their properties.
The Design and Technology department builds the ‘Cultural Capital’ of learners by ensuring they understand Britain’s contemporary design practice and design heritage, as well as a knowledge of international design practice.
Learners are given the opportunity to visit museums, galleries and go on trips to see and experience designers’ work. Through taught units of work learners explore existing products, gain an understanding of designers’ work and their different target markets. Learners are able to use a wide range of equipment and are given an insight into how mass production of products are carried out. We encourage the use of CADCAM and allow our learners to experience this first hand through computer design software and manufacturing techniques using the 3D printer and laser cutter.
Key Stage 3
In year 7, learners are introduced to the Design and Technology workshops through a range of activities and focused practical tasks. Importance is placed on building students' skills, confidence, and knowledge through engaging units of work. During Year 8 and 9 a greater importance is placed on developing the learner's problem-solving skills to build on their knowledge and understanding.
Learners develop knowledge and understanding of Design and Technology through a range of processes including -
- Develop practical skills through a range of focused practical tasks using: -
- Paper and board,
- Textiles,
- Metal,
- Wood,
- Plastic.
- Electronics
-
- CAD/ CAM processes
- Smart materials
- Drawing and rendering techniques
- Investigate new and emerging techniques
- Gain understanding of properties of materials used.
- Explore CAD/ CAM techniques gaining understanding of industrial processes.
- Evaluate past and present designers
- Follow an iterative design process to develop solutions
Design and Technology Projects
Year 7
Product design
- Yo-yo
- Mini challenges
Textiles
- Storage case
- Mini challenge
Year 8
Product design
- Pewter casting
- Finishing Line - Rocket car
Textiles
- Doodle design tote bag or cushion cover
- Mini challenge
Year 9
Product design
- Angle point light
Textiles
- Pyjama shorts or bucket hat
Key Stage 4
Learners are offered the opportunity to study:
GCSE Design Technology - Eduqas
GCSE Eduqas Design Technology through Product Design or Textiles specialism
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/design-and-technology-gcse/
Key Stage 5
Learners are offered the opportunity to study
A Level Design Technology Product Design - Eduqas
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/kclpvixc/a-level-design-and-technology-specification.pdf
Btec Level 3 National Extended Certificate Fashion & Textiles
Enrichment
There are many opportunities for learners to engage beyond the classroom.
- STEM Club
- Textiles Club
Homework
- Key Stage 3 - 1 x 20 minute piece per fortnight
- Key Stage 4 - 1 x 20 minute piece per fortnight
- Key Stage 5 - Regular reading and past paper questions. NEA Completion.
Feedback
The Design Technology department follows the whole school feedback policy. Feedback is regularly given in lessons during retrieval practice and questioning. Written feedback is provided for specific pieces of work and assessments.
Assessment
- Key Stage 3 assessment will be based on units studied by End of unit assessments, mid year and end of year assessments
- Key Stage 4 assessment will be based on examination board past paper questions and follow the assessment calendar
- Key Stage 5 assessment will be based on Examination boards past paper questions and follow the assessment calendar
