Design and Technology & Engineering

Every student studies Design and Technology for 1 hour per week at KS3. In DT, students will learn a variety of skills, including traditional practical skills, graphics skills and CAD/CAM skills using our ICT facilities. Students will complete a number of projects that will enhance both their practical skills and theoretical understanding of this wide-ranging subject. The projects will allow students to build on, and develop, their skills enabling them to successfully complete GCSE Design Technology or BTEC Engineering courses at KS4.

GCSE Design Technology:

• Exam board: AQA Design Technology (8552)
• AQA website

Go to the AQA website

Summary of the course

This course is the new 1-9 specification. Much of the content is the same as before, however, there is now a greater emphasis on the design process with a focus on developing and producing prototypes of ideas. There is also an increased focus on the application of maths skills, such as costing products, presenting data and interpreting data. This course allows students who are creative, inventive and enjoy ‘hands on’ DT the chance to develop their design and making skills. Students have the opportunity to create products mainly from wood and plastic to provide solutions to a range of problems. This Course Involves Plenty of Workshop Time.

Students develop a variety of skills from traditional woodwork skills through to CAD skills and advanced manufacturing skills using our computer-controlled laser cutters, routers and lathes. Using drawing and product analysis skills, students learn why we design products the way we do. Utilising a variety of sources to inspire their designs, students follow the Design Process to produce a range of 3D products including leading-edge design products to store iPads, iPods and smartphones. Students will also learn about issues which effect design and manufacture, for example, environmental issues and how things are made commercially.

How the course is assessed

There is a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) where you will produce one piece of assessed coursework (a product and design folder) which is 50% of your grade. The remaining 50% is assessed through an exam.

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 31% grades 9-4.

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 73% grades 9-4.

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 50% grades 9-4.

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving

73% grades 9-4 in Design & Technology

100% grades 9-4 in BTEC Engineering

Level 2 BTEC Technical Award in Engineering

• Exam Board: Edexcel. Course code: 603/0829/1
• Pearson website

Go to the Pearson website

Summary of the course 

This is also a very practical course, focussing on the skills needed to become a professional engineer. Students have the opportunity to create products mainly from metal which, along with a portfolio, provide evidence of the skills students have learnt. THIS COURSE INVOLVES PLENTY OF WORKSHOP TIME.

As well as developing a variety of skills from traditional metal skills through to CAD skills, students will also learn about more advanced Engineering skills, such as turning, casting and milling. Using these new skills, students manufacture a number of products which are documented in a portfolio. Other issues which effect Engineering, for example, Health and Safety, and how Engineering affects society are also covered, together with sustainability, and other external influences on modern engineering companies.

How the course is assessed

This course comprises of 3 Units; 2 are assessed via a portfolio of evidence, 1 unit is assessed by a 2 part exam. Part A is a practical exam based on a scientific principle; Part B is an engineering design exam.

What 6th form options does this course lend itself to?

Both these courses enable students to progress onto ‘A’ level Design Technology or Level 3 BTEC Engineering. Students will also gain transferable skills (such as problem solving) to move onto Sixth Form to follow a range of non-DT courses.

Following Sixth Form, students have successfully gone on to study Engineering or design related degrees at University, or gained apprenticeships in engineering and creative careers.

Extra-curricular opportunities/Homework expectations

Homework is set regularly to support students learning. At KS3, students will complete a range of tasks to compliment work covered in lessons. Students are also encouraged to investigate the role that Design and Technology has in society. At KS4, students focus on demonstrating their subject knowledge, through exam type questions.

Extra-curricular opportunities include after school support for our KS4 and KS5 students and at KS3, students can explore their creative side in our Design and Make club. We also have a number of exciting opportunities for students involving our RC cars and hovercraft.

A range of TV series are available on a variety of DT and Engineering topics. Programmes on channels such as ‘Quest’ like ‘How it’s Made’ and ‘Mighty Planes’ or even BBC2’s ‘Top Gear’ all provide an insight into design and manufacturing in applied situations.

Places to visit linked to DT and Engineering:

There are many interesting places which you can visit to help support your child’s understanding of Design Technology and Engineering

The Science Museum – The Science Museum is the most visited science and technology museum in Europe. There are over 15,000 objects on display, including world-famous objects such as the Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

The Design Museum – Located on the River Thames, near Tower Bridge, the Design Museum offers inspiring insights into the world of design with exhibitions on fashion, architecture, furniture, graphic, product, transport and digital design. Alongside its cutting edge programme of temporary exhibitions the museum also hosts a variety of talks and family activities. www.designmuseum.org

The Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution – This grand building just off Piccadilly has been home to 14 Nobel prizewinners, and housed the laboratories of some of the world’s greatest scientific minds. The small but entertaining exhibition explores the illustrious history of the RI, and uses animations and comedy to explain some of the groundbreaking concepts and equipment on show. www.rigb.org/visit-us/faraday-museum

The Royal Gunpowder Mills – Located in Waltham Abbey, The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children’s Activities. www.royalgunpowdermills.com

Kirkaldy Testing Museum – In Southwark, David Kirkaldy and his machine helped shape today’s world, testing materials for such as bridges from St Louis to Sydney via Blackfriars; railways; Liberty ships; the Skylon and Comet airliner. His Victorian workshop still houses the working machine and more. Open on the first Sunday of each month. www.testingmuseum.org.uk

London Transport Museum – This museum whisks you on a journey of London’s transportation system since 1800, through fascinating and colourful displays, bus and tube simulators and many family-friendly interactive games and activities. www.ltmuseum.co.uk

The Crystal – The Crystal, located in Docklands, a sustainable cities initiative explores the future of cities. Home to the world’s largest exhibition focused on urban sustainability and a world-class centre for dialogue, discovery and learning. The Crystal lets students experience first-hand many of the pioneering solutions and innovative technologies that are driving future trends for a more sustainable world. www.thecrystal.org