Design and Technology is both a creative and technical subject. It combines aspects of creative design and applied science. It is about designing and making products in a range of materials that both look good and work well. It is about responding to human needs or design challenges in an innovative way through research and evaluation.
Creative learning in Design and Technology involves using both imaginative design and problem solving skills. It should link to the world of industry and commerce and the technologies they employ. It includes opportunities for learning that are vocationally relevant and allow a spirit of enterprise.
KS3
In Years 7 – 9, all students currently follow a rotational course where they experience designing and making themes and activities using food, graphics, compliant materials and computer aided design through the National Curriculum strands of researching, designing, planning, making and evaluating. Additionally, some technical and computer aided graphics is being developed using the new Apple Computers.
Food Technology
With Food Technology now part of the statutory curriculum at key stage 3 it is an exciting time to be teaching and learning all about Food. The aim of the syllabus is for all pupils to have a bank of recipes they can create that are low in fat and time saving. In Year 7 students focus on the basic cookery skills, nutrition and create a range of dishes that are balanced and healthy.
In Year 8 students focus on diet and health as well as food safety and hygiene. Learning a variety of technical skills and applying them to create family friendly healthy dishes.
In Year 9 students focus on choice. Learning about different cultures as well as special dietary needs. Students develop recipes to suit specific needs and develop their creative flare within the subject.
Aims of the Course:
- Gives an awareness of the catering/hospitality industry
- Encourages organisation skills
- Encourages the identification of customer needs and eating trends in a multicultural society
- Develops a knowledge of nutrition and the relationship between diet and health
- Acknowledges the importance of cost effectiveness when menu planning
- Provides opportunities to work individually and as part of a team
- Develops creativity and interest in food preparation, presentation and service.
Compliant Materials
Compliant Material involves pupils researching, planning, designing, making and evaluating a range of projects produced from a range of different materials.
In Year 7 pupils complete a sweet 3D/2D Design Project. Students create 2 mini products, where the students learn about the design and making process culminating a 3D outcome.
In Year 8, students explore a 2D/3D Design project investigating site specific sculpture. Students will design their own sculpture inspired by their research.
In Year 9, students will explain the current topic of the ‘Selfie.’ They will research the origin and investigate the work of current portrait photographers. This will be structed as a mini project in preparation for GCSE.
Graphics
The Year 7 Graphics project allows students to create their own rand, learn how to draw in isometric and toy packaging.
The Year 8 Graphics project sees students learn about logos and typography, how to draw in 2 point perspective to design, and make their shop fronts. Some will go on to create a clock based on an art movement.
The Year 9 Graphics project involves students working together to create a promotional campaign using Photoshop, and make a mini torch that could be sold as a merchandise item.
Information Technology
CAD (Computer Aided Design)
Year 7 – Movie Making
In year 7 students will be using Adobe Premiere Pro to create movies. The main assessed project ill be to follow a specification to create an Olympics TV advert. They will also get together to create a group video. Students will also learn how to import a variety of resources, add titles, transitions, effects and animation to their videos. The aim is to have them learn the skills necessary and recognise good and bad practice when creating quality content.
Year 8 – Kodu
In year 8 students will be using Microsoft Kodu Game Lab to create 3D landscapes, add objects and program them to follow user instructions. Projects covered include: a racing simulator, a tower defence game and a 3D version of Pac-man! Students will also learn how to write an accurate specification, to test and improve their algorithms and to evaluate the success of their model.
Year 9 – Digital Imagery
In year 9 students will be using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to create digital media. They will explore concepts such as composition and imagery and will build up a useful set of software skills that they can take forward into their GCSEs. The primary assessed project will be to create a high quality cover for a popular magazine incorporating a mix of different media.