Design Technology
Design & Technology makes a unique contribution to the development of all our pupils by preparing them to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve the quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators.
Key Stage 3
In Year 7 we bring pupils into contact with specialist teachers of Design & Technology for possibly the first times in their school career. Throughout the Key Stage, the pupils have access to a wide range of equipment, materials and processes. They are shown how to structure their design work, recording evidence of their ideas, concepts and decision making.
Throughout their experience of D&T the pupils are taught techniques for exploring and developing ideas including:- rendering, model making, annotated drawings, CAD (Computer Aided Design) & CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture). The pupils work on their own and in teams to solve real problems and to understand the role and responsibilities technology has in our society. They will use many other curriculum areas in D&T like maths, science and art as well as verbal and written skills from English.
As pupils progress they are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in order to realise their own designs, working in Resistant Materials, Food, Textiles and Graphic Products. D&T is taught through a series of Product Analysis, Focused Practical Tasks and Design & Make Assignments in different context. However, the underlying themes in all D&T areas are Health & Safety, development of practical skills, design appreciation and expressing creativity.
Key Stage 4
In Year 10 all pupils opting for D&T follow the same exam syllabus called Product Design. They are able to refine their options by selecting three of the four specialist areas, and they complete a minor project in each before further refining their path to GCSE by selecting one area for their major project. One of the main features of this syllabus is that pupils sit one common exam paper worth 40% of their overall grade. The other 60% is made up from a final design project in their chosen focus area of D&T, i.e. Resistant Materials, Food, Textiles or Graphic Products.
Assessment
Formal objective assessment is provided by the end of module test (where applicable). Coupled with the formative assessment of homework assignments; coursework tasks and both peer and self assessment, these form the basis of assessment for each module. Assessment of all work will be in-line with National Curriculum standards.
Home Support
To make the best progress in Design & Technology we need home to support the in school work in a number of ways:
- Ensure that pupils are properly equipped for lessons with a fully stocked pencil case and that they bring their plastic A3 folders containing their coursework to lessons. (folders are available from the school at £1.50)
- Ensure that ingredients for Food lessons are weighed / measured out in preparation for the lesson, and are sent in to school in a suitable container.
- Support pupils to consolidate their knowledge and prepare for their next lesson through homework assignments, these often include practical activities like modelling and preparing ingredients. In Key Stage 4, it is expected that the pupils spend one hour per week on their project as discrete homework will only be set when appropriate.
- Discuss your child's projects with them, and if you have concerns, contact the relevant teacher or Head of Department.
- Support the classroom teacher by stressing the importance of Health & Safety. Before any practical work can be begin, the pupils must have a clear understanding of how to work safely and allow others to do the same. Each room has its own set of rules for general safety and pupils will be taught how to use subject specific equipment. D&T is both fun and safe if everyone follows the Health & Safety code.
Click on the links below for further information
Meole Brace School Science College, Longden Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 9DW
phone: 01743 235961 Fax: 01743 364017 E-Mail: admin@meolebrace.shropshire.sch.uk
