Departments
Design & Technology
All children should be prepared for life in a society where Technology is playing an increasingly important role. They should have sufficient knowledge and understanding to allow them to make informed choices and to develop a capability to operate effectively and creatively in the made world. They should also be given the chance to develop a critical awareness of the made and natural worlds, and of the environment.
This subject aims to give experience of the whole range of Design and Technology activities and show its importance in the man-made world, whilst imparting the skills necessary to solve problems and produce quality solutions.
Years 3, 4 and 5 have Art and D&T combined into double period blocks, with each area having half the year to deliver their curriculum. Within the year it is intended that whole year trips and projects will be undertaken, allowing true cross-curricular activity (e.g. the Year 6 ICT/DT trip to Legoland). The D&T element of the course for Years 4 & 5 covers designing, problem-solving, testing, evaluating, sketching and modelling, with lessons held in the Design and Technology workshop and Design Studio. A short course on basic safety is gone through before they start work on skills acquisition in the workshop. Most projects are cross-curricular, with emphasis (within D&T) on hand tools and basic power tools (cordless drill, belt sander, fret saw). Activities undertaken are mainly Focused Practical Tasks (FPTs), but Design and Making Assignments (DMAs) and investigation and evaluation activities are gradually phased in over the three years, when they have developed the necessary skills and hand-eye coordination.
For Years 6, 7 and 8 the course follows a similar layout to the lower years, with projects coming from a problem solving base. The emphasis is on a gradual increase in skill levels and knowledge. Most projects are based on individual work, but they are interspersed with small group exercises. Activities undertaken are mainly DMAs, but are supported by FPTs, investigation and evaluation activities. By the time pupils leave Year 8 they will have covered the following (in addition to those listed above): basic technical drawing; rendering; prototyping; manufacture in wood, metal, plastic, ceramic, textiles; computer-aided design, DTP, control and graphics; machine tool use and safe working; simple electronics; structures, materials and energy. The lessons are taught in academic groups. All years have one double period a week.
There is the opportunity to apply for a DT Scholarship at 13 Plus, for further study to GCSE level, and beyond.
