Design and Technology
Intent summary
Design and Technology is a creative, innovative, practical subject. Within High Close School the subject offers young people the opportunity to develop imaginative thinking and apply these ideas through design and make tasks. Students can undertake a variety of projects that introduce and consolidate techniques that will gradually build and establish a knowledge of skills.
Intent, Implementation, Impact
Design & Technology Curriculum
Throughout all key stages the young people are taught through a combination of e-folios, skills based tasks and a variety of practical projects. Many students enjoy the hands-on aspect as they benefit from seeing their work progress. These outcomes show achievement and encourage pupils to take ownership of their learning.
All of the projects are structured in such a way that students of all abilities can make progress at a variety of differentiated levels to ensure individual success. Key Stage 3 focuses on a broad range of skills and knowledge that will give the pupils the ability to potentially opt to continue the subject at Key Stage 4
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 students have the opportunity to develop their creativity through investigating and designing using textiles, resistant materials, graphics, and mechanisms, building the foundation for key Stage 3.
· Key Stage 2 Projects - Animal Costumes, Bird Feeder, Pop Up Card / Books, Bridges and Viaducts, Puppets.
Key Stage 3
Within Year 7 the young people will expand on prior learning and be introduced to new skills within resistant materials, electronics, vacuum forming, CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Manufacture), plastics and graphics. These techniques will be developed and revisited in Year 8 and 9 giving students the opportunity to combine the skills and materials previously learnt and encourage independent learning.
· Year 7 Projects - Bug Hotel / Bird Box, E-Picture, Vacuum Form Packaging, Electronics, CAD/CAM and Graphic Design.
· Year 8 Projects – Laser cut Acrylic Maze, Pewter Cast Pendant, LED Acrylic Stand and a Traditional Wooden Toy Plane.
· Year 9 Projects – Electronic Memory Game, CAD/CAM Laser cut clock and a Festival themed Graphic Project.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 will work towards the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creative Craft. This qualification aims to extend skills and develop techniques used within a range of crafts building on the foundations established within the key stage 3 Design Technology Curriculum. This is a modular course that will be completed throughout Years 10 and 11.
There are four modules to complete:
1. Use Materials, Tools and Equipment to Develop Craft Techniques
2. Investigate Creative Enterprise and Employment Opportunities
3. Develop Craft Ideas
4. Create, Present and Evaluate Final Craft Item
A number of mini projects are undertaken allowing the students to demonstrate how to use materials, tools and equipment in a safe manner. This will also include researching and developing ideas, and adapting designs based on constructive feedback. A final piece will be produced through planning, making and evaluating work to show improvement. The young people will also have the opportunity to research businesses in their chosen craft area, exploring employment opportunities to support the development of their own entrepreneurial skills.
If the students are completing the award they will finish the first 3 modules only.