Time Allocation
Students study design and technology for one 1 hour per week in Year 7 and two 1-hour periods per week in Year 8.
Grouping
For technology, two form groups are split into three mixed-ability teaching groups of up to 20 pupils.
Course Content
During KS3, pupils study the following projects, which are delivered through a carousel rotation:
|
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Autumn |
Autumn 1: Graphical and design skills
|
Autumn 1: Ergonomic console |
Autumn 2:
|
Autumn 2: Mirror project |
|
Spring |
Spring 1: Herb garden practical skills.
|
Spring 1: Night light Pupils learn about systems and control in the design and manufacture of a night light which reacts to changing light levels. In the process, they use CAD /CAM software and line bending equipment to create their own product, designed to suit the needs of a young child. |
Spring 2: |
Spring 2: Food nutrition and safety |
|
Summer |
Summer 1: Food nutrition and safety
|
Summer 1: Food culture |
Summer 2: Develop competency of a range of cooking techniques including selecting ingredients and using a range of cooking equipment.
|
Summer 2: Mini design challenges |
Assessment
All projects at key stage 3 are intended to develop pupils’ researching, designing, making and evaluating skills. Each pupil is assessed on their knowledge and skills in these areas and will identify their strengths and areas for development. In year 7 the duration of each project is 11-12 lessons. In year 8, projects last 6-7 weeks. Throughout each unit of work, self, peer and teacher assessments are undertaken, with an emphasis on regular low-stakes testing. Books are marked no less than every 3 weeks, with feedback provided for pupils to improve.
Formal assessment
Each unit of work lasts for half a term and will be formally assessed half way through and then again at the end of the unit. In the final assessment, a national curriculum level for that piece of work will be given based on a set of descriptors.
Homework
Homework will be set weekly and consist of a combination of short and extended tasks dependent on the unit of work and will be marked according to the school protocol. At least one task each half term is an extended writing piece.
Race for the line
During year 7, pupils also design and make a simple rocket powered car using a kit provided by a STEM organisation. Jointly taught with the science, IT and maths department, they deepen their understanding of simple electronic systems as they time their vehicle with a programmable logic controller.
Images for KS3