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Design & Technology

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
Pupils develop a range graphical design and modelling skills and complete research in order to write a design brief for an indoor herb garden and moisture sensor.  

 

Autumn 1: Ergonomic console 
Pupils study a range of theoretical concepts associated with product design including ergonomics, anthropometrics and user needs. Pupils then apply this knowledge in the design of an ergonomic console controller using CAD software. 

Autumn 2:  
Developing CAD/CAM design skills in order to create a set of mini laser cut signs for their herb garden planter box. 

 

Autumn 2: Mirror project 
Pupils develop an understanding of how to plan a sequence of events in the manufacture of a mirror. They then develop and practise their practical making skills to produce a mirror, demonstrating safe working practices.  

Spring 

Spring 1: Herb garden practical skills. 
Understanding timber materials and simple manufacturing techniques for making a box. Designing and modelling of their herb garden box. 

 

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: 
Understand basic systems and control for an electronic device. Practical making of an electronic moisture sensor and a wooden herb garden box of their own design. Demonstrate safe working practices in a workshop environment.  

Spring 2: Food nutrition and safety 
Further develop competency of a range of cooking techniques including selecting ingredients and using a range of cooking equipment. 

Summer 

Summer 1: Food nutrition and safety 
Develop an awareness of basic food safety, hygiene and nutrition. Develop basic kitchen skills in order to make a range of simple and nutritious snacks. 

 

Summer 1: Food culture 
Examine the geographic, social and cultural influences associated with different world cuisines. Further develop their ability to select and combine ingredients to achieve foods of different tastes, textures and smells.  

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 
A set of mini design challenges where pupils develop their problem- solving and creative skills in order to solve design challenge. Examples include bridge building and a propeller powered car. 

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 

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