What matters most in Design Technology?
Design Technology, where would you be without it in the world we live in today. Design Technology combines academia with practical approach to learning which encompasses all other subjects with a strong application to problem-solving real-life scenarios.
DT values: problem solving, critical thinking, sustainability, impact on society> Students learn using a variety of methods to develop concepts and how they can be improved to ensure a better quality of living. Students value the iterative approach to design by analysing the work of others and making mistakes to stretch and challenge in order to master a skill or technique. Students will have the ability to continue with DT skills post education in everyday life; preparing meals, make do and mend and improve the way we live through the products that we interact with.
Key Principles:
Research
- Analyse the work of others
- Product analysis
- Environmental issue
- Different Cultures
Design
- Generate a specification to inform the design that responds to the needs of the user
- Communicate a range of ideas using a variety of mediums and materials
- Using 2D & 3D formats to experiment with ideas and techniques
- To use iteration to develop and refine the idea
Make
- To generate a final outcome using a range of specialist tools, techniques, processes and equipment.
- To focus on controlling the quality using precision and accuracy
- Health & Safety underpins every aspect of practical work
Evaluate
- Critically test and evaluate their ideas in order to improve concept
- Evaluate a product against the specification
- Gather third party feedback
Prior Learning
Prior learning will be very different due to feeder schools not being part of TWHF. TWHF does not yet have a primary curriculum document for DT: (Textiles & Food), challenges will be vast dependent on primary school teachers' knowledge and resources. Gaps can be varied due to the nature of what primary school they have been, the conceptual threads we have chosen links to KS1 & KS2 which they will have a slight understanding.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Concepts
KS3 is taught in three different rotations
Design Technology – Yr 7-9
Pupils are taught about shaping and forming Materials: Metals, Polymers and Timbers. They will learn how to use hand and machine tools and are introduced to how materials and processes impact on the environment.
Food Preparation & Nutrition - Yr 7-9
Pupils are taught about the functional and chemical properties of ingredients when making bread and pastry-based products. They are also taught about a variety of cultures, and this includes where ingredients come from and how they are used.
Textiles Yr 7-9
Pupils are taught how to sew and machine textiles into products. They will learn how to surface print and embellish textile materials. Students are taught the schemes of work through multi- cultural based projects and popular artistic movements.
Subsequent Study
Students go on to take A level in specialist subjects, college with vocational courses or apprenticeship. These use the same principles and conceptual threads but move to greater depth.
Beyond Study
What might the academic study of this subject lead to?
- University course
What enrichment opportunities are there?
- KS3 DT club
- KS4 drop in sessions
What careers might be possible?
- Engineer, Nutritionist, Dietician, Graphic Designer, Product designer, Architect, fashion designer, Costume design, set design, DT technician, mechanic, tradesman (electrician, plumber, joiner, bricklayer, roofer), games designer, theme park designer, furniture restorer, entrepreneur, interior designer, illustrator.
Associations
DATA - We support and champion design and technology education in schools - D&T Association