Design and Technology
Subject Intent
Design and Technology helps students to improve their manual dexterity and knowledge of tools, machines and materials. We encourage independent learning and thinking through the design and making of products for the new age of sustainability and care for our environment. Problem solving is a key skill that is learnt through trial and error, using the systems-based approach to design and the iterative design process.
Aims
We aim to produce students with:
- Concentration and perseverance
- The ability to express themselves clearly and succinctly
- The ability to problem-solve
- Skills using manual tools, machines and cadcam
- A clear understanding of the design process
- An understanding of how interconnected are, raw materials, the products we use and the ways we dispose products.
- A mind that questions why products take a particular form and how they can be improved
- A love of good design that spans different times and approaches
- Knowledge of a vast array of materials and processes used to fashion them into products
Key Stage 3
Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 study Design and Technology on a rotation basis so they are able to cover all aspects throughout KS3. Years 7 and 8 spend 12 weeks in a specific subject area, combining theory with practical to give them an insight into how a future KS4 course will be delivered. Year 9s enter the academic year having been placed in their two top choice technology areas for the year and work on a 1.5 termly rotation basis. This allows them to focus in and spend longer developing skills with the prospect of selecting one of our KS4 courses going forward. The areas that are covered include, health and safety training across all subjects, textiles, food and nutrition, working with timbers, metals and polymers, and CAD/CAM. All of the termly projects delivered, will lead to a high-quality finished product outcome of which they can take home.
| Y7 Units | Y8 Units | Y9 Units |
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Homework policy
Pupils in Y7 and 8 will receive three pieces of homework per term, while Y9 will receive five.
| Y7 | Y8 | Y9 |
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Key Stage 4
Throughout KS4, Design & Technology and Food essentially splits into two separate subjects. As a whole department, we offer four different courses which include Eduqas: Design & Technology 9-1 (an option for Textiles or Timbers focus), WJEC Level ½ in Construction and a WJEC Level ½ in Hospitality and Catering (see Food Technology for more detail).
We work to the Eduqas board Design and Technology 9-1 specification. This comprises coursework, which is now called a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) and a 2 hour written exam. This new specification includes mathematics questions and has stopped the design elements of the previous exam. Each element is worth 50% of their final grade.
At Stewards Academy we aim to provide the guided learning hours required for both design and practical skills, alongside the theoretical knowledge. Students taking a GCSE are taught twice a week for 1 hour and 15 minutes. During Y10, this structure allows us to work on the practical and portfolio element in one lesson, and the theoretical knowledge in the other.
The pupils enter Y11 with all the developed skills needed and an exam board brief to aid them in completing a successful 20-page portfolio which documents all their research, design and manufacturing. They produce a final product or prototype which is expected to be completed by the Easter holidays.
The theoretical knowledge taught in Y10 is then used as a revision tool, alongside textbooks and Eduqas resources to aid them in the final exam, which takes place in June.
| Y10 Timbers | Y10 Textiles |
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| Y11 NEA – 50% | Y11 Exam – 50% |
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KS4 Homework
| Y10 | Y11 |
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