Technology: Design Technology
Subject Leader: Mrs L Hennigan
The 3D Design curriculum has been designed to allow all students to be creative and imaginative when designing and making products that solve real life problems. It aims to build on student knowledge, understanding and skills while also teaching them about the technical understanding of a developing world to produce high quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
Students will study a wide range of materials including wood, acrylic and metal to name a few. They will also develop an understanding of systems, programmable components and mechanisms to understand how they work and are used in everyday life. The Design Technology curriculum has been designed to inspire, challenge and motivate every student, no matter their level of ability, while supporting them in developing their creative skills.
Key Stage 3
- Year 7- The Block head project is introduced in Year 7 and builds on skills students will have learnt at KS2. Students will produce a block head design which will help them build skills using tools and machinery they will have probably not used or seen at KS2 technology. This is to enable students to know how to accurately, safely & confidently use tools, equipment, machinery and materials moving forward in year 8.
- Year 8- Sweet dispenser project is introduced in Year 8 and builds upon the skills the students have learnt in Year 7. Students will look at a range of sweet dispensers to inspire them and why they are using recycled glass jars to produce their outcome and not plastic due to the impact of plastics on the environment. Using 2D Design and a range of wood joining methods, they will produce a sweet dispenser using a recycled glass jar.
- Year 9- Flying bird project. This project continues to build upon the knowledge and skills learnt in Year 8. Students will look at a range of famous artists and choose their style to add surface pattern to their outcome. They will also look at how levers and mechanisms work to produce a 3D flying animal outcome using a range of materials, 2D Design and surface pattern techniques.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 students can choose to study AQA GCSE Art and Design: Three-Dimensional Design. This course provides students with a range of creative, exciting and stimulating opportunities to develop and explore their personal interests in 3D Design. Students will create designs and products for architectural design, sculpture, ceramics, product design, jewellery and body adornment, interior design, environmental / landscape / garden design, exhibition design, 3D digital design and designs for theatre, film and television. Throughout their work, students will apply knowledge and understanding on the way sources inspire the development of ideas relevant to 3D Design through cultural, social, historical, contemporary and environmental issues where necessary to produce a personal response. The GCSE course has two components, a portfolio and an externally set assignment, culminating in a 10-hour supervised practical exam. Students will complete three portfolio projects using the following themes to produce a creative and meaningful outcome: The GCSE course has two components, a portfolio and an externally set assignment, culminating in a 10-hour supervised practical exam. Students will complete two portfolio projects using the following themes to produce a creative and meaningful outcome:
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- Insect’s project
- Materials/ Human figure project
What can I do with a Design Technology qualification?
A GCSE in 3D Design is not only for people who wish to take their studies further or pursue a career in technology and the creative arts. It also develops your ability to work independently, think creatively and solve problems. These are important qualities whether applied to your professional or personal life, skills which colleges, universities and employers are looking for when selecting from a group of applicants. Such a qualification can lead to careers in, but not limited to, product design, interior design, landscaping, manufacturing, engineering and architecture.