Intent

In Design and Technology pupils are encouraged to unlock their creativity to become intentional problem solvers.

Enacting our Vision

In Design and Technology pupils are encouraged to think creatively to solve problems as individuals and members of a team. In lessons pupils will be curious and discerning when investigating and developing design solutions. Pupils will embrace challenge and be encouraged to solve a range of practical problems and challenges. Pupils will be encouraged to share their creative ideas in a supportive environment.

We have built our students learning journey so that they gain and develop investigative and analytical skills through research and analysis of others’ work. These observations are then used to develop and communicate designs. Pupils learn practical skills and embed theory through interleaved tasks and units of work.

Pupils’ success is celebrated. Teachers award positive points on classcharts, pupils can see updates to the subject notice board, stars of the week are nominated, D+T updates can be seen by parents, pupils and others in the community in school newsletters and department social media pages.

Pupils are welcomed by the DT team to develop their interest in the subject and make use of the facilities and expertise available outside of lesson time when possible. There is an extra-curricular ‘Make It/ DESIGNeers club’ which KS3 pupils are welcome to sign up to and attend, in this club pupils undertake challenges and make practical projects.

YEAR 7

The first short challenge ensures that pupils have an opportunity to be creative, work collaboratively and communicate clearly. Skills interleaved throughout units of work right through to KS5. In year 7 pupils will analyse existing products, build investigative skills, and develop their communication skills- they will sketch quickly, and develop 3D graphics when communicating and developing their design ideas. Pupils will be encouraged to develop iterations of designs and models, improving their designs as they gain further knowledge. Year 7 pupils will be introduced to using hand tools and working safely in the workshop.

YEAR 8

In Year 8, students will build on the skills and knowledge gained in year 7. Key topics such as sustainable design, and working with polymers are introduced. Pupils continue to develop the important attributes of curiosity, investigating materials and manufacturing techniques. Pupils will continue to develop practical skills working with a wider range of materials and tools independently.

YEAR 9

Students begin their Design and Technology GCSE building on the blocks of knowledge from KS3. Pupils will gain a greater and more detailed understanding of materials and manufacture, with the intent of not only understanding their properties, but making discerning and more independent design choices. Pupils will take inspiration from iconic designs and designers; they will work on all forms of communication. In preparation for NEA projects (Non examined assessment) pupils will work within given constraints and on varied tasks for a range of given user groups.

YEAR 10

Students in year 10 have a good understanding of the design process and a sound skill base. Their in-depth knowledge is broadening, and in year 10 there will be a focus on becoming familiar with exam style questions. In year 10 pupils must develop more skills to be able to work and make design decisions independently. Units of work which focus on different aspects of the NEA are worked through. Skills of design development and iterative design are a key focus. Pupils are encouraged to identify individual project opportunities within a given situation. The contexts for the NEA (an independent student led design and make project) are released in June. Pupils should be equipped with the skills and knowledge to begin to undertake this project worth 50% of their overall GCSE.

YEAR 11

The students main focus for the first part of the year is the NEA. Pupils need to use their previous work and experiences to identify opportunities within the context given by the examination board. (currently AQA). Pupils investigate and research client requirements and existing products. Pupils must communicate their design decisions clearly and concisely, developing a product that they produce as a prototype, and then evaluate. Year 11 is a busy year in which pupils can see their progress. At least one lesson per fortnight will be given over to revise and recap theory and knowledge in preparation for examinations. 

A-LEVEL D&T: PRODUCT DESIGN

The aim of the A-Level course is to develop students’ practical solving skills, encourage independent learning, creativity and innovation. Students will learn specific subject knowledge in relation to design and manufacture. They will develop their modelling skills both in the workshop and through 2D and 3D CAD modelling; they will develop presentation skills and graphic communication. They will implement and demonstrate their knowledge and skills by designing and making marketable products.

• By choosing Product Design students take the opportunity to develop a broad view of technology and design.
• Students will develop and demonstrate their ability to produce a wide range of simple and complex designs.
• Students will present their ideas through 3D modelling and apply manufacturing skills to make a final product.
• Students will look for product opportunities, create solutions to problems, develop their making and model making skills and create high quality marketable products.

CAREERS IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Design and Technology opens doors to a wide range of careers in the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries as well as medicine, law and computer science. The knowledge and skills you learn, such as teamwork and time management will be valued by employers.

See our Careers Page for further details.

CONTACT US

For further information regarding Design and Technology please contact the following:

• Mrs Iza Stacey: stacey@st-josephs.slough.sch.uk
• Mr Ashley Mall: mall@st-josephs.slough.sch.uk