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Technology
“The best ideas start as conversations.”
Jonathan Ive (Inventor of the iPod, iMac, MacBook Air, iPhone and iPad)
Year 7
The Rationale
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
Students are taught in five specific subject areas; CAD/CAM: 3D Printing, Food & Nutrition, Graphics, Resistant Materials and Textiles. All projects are 8 weeks long and are delivered on a carousel, where students rotate five times throughout the academic year.
| CAD/CAM: 3D Printing | Food & Nutrition | Graphics | Resistant Materials | Textiles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Content | Computer aided design (CAD) software drawing package – TinkerCAD. Product Analysis CAM – 3D Printed prototypes Working drawings Production of detailed designs with annotation. | Safe and hygienic procedures Step by step cooking methods Use of basic tools, equipment, electrical appliances Healthy eating guidelines Physical and chemical properties of ingredients. Consumer and users views & preferences. | Basic drawing equipment and formal layout techniques Awareness of packaging and branding. Orthographic, single point and two-point perspective Introduce simple rendering techniques Demonstrate the value of accurate modelling skills. | Introduction to woodwork – bothtechnical and creative. Safe working procedures in the Design & Technology workshops Generating and communicating imaginative ideas. Softwoods, hardwoods and their properties. Woodwork finishes to enhance the quality of a product. | Introduction to textiles – both technical and creative. Safe working procedures in the textiles area Hand sewing techniques Generating and communicating a range of imaginative ideas. Natural and manmade fabrics and their properties. |
| Key Skills | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Development & modelling ICT skills Understanding of new technologies, such as 3D Printing Sustainable bioplastics; Polylactic Acid (PLA) Evaluate final outcome | Practical’s: Fruit Salad, Fruity Cake Slice, Sausage Pasta Pot, Fruit Crumble, Pizza Swirl, Soup, Swiss Roll, Salad. Knife skills Use of cooker Eatwell plate Temperature control Safe handling of meat Macro & micro nutrients Pastry skills Safe use of electrical equipment Evaluate final outcome | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Development & modelling Surface developments and nets Colour psychology and typography Evaluate final outcome. | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Development & modelling Understanding of woodwork tools, equipment and machinery in a workshop environment. Evaluate final outcome. | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Development of chosen idea Paper patterns, pinning pattern paper, running stitch, blanket stitch, sewing applique and buttons Hand sewing manufacturing techniques Evaluate final outcome. |
| How can you help your child engage with the content? | TinkerCAD is a web based computer aided design program, which can be accessed easily at home using a laptop/tablet. Students can practise their CAD skills at home, using the Starters & Lesson activities on TinkerCAD, to help improve their knowledge & skills. | Encourage your son/daughter to help during meal times in the kitchen to prepare, cook and bake food products, and also to wash up and tidy away afterwards. Encourage your son/daughter to make healthier choices when it comes to meal planning in the home. | Look at packaging products around the home. Look at logo design, typography and colour psychology used for different household products. | Look at wood products around the home and in our natural environment; identify coniferous and deciduous trees whilst walking in The Lakes, or in your local area. Identify softwoods and hardwoods used for particular products and understand their properties and characteristics. | Encourage your son/daughter to sew by hand or with a sewing machine at home, to repair clothing, sew buttons, etc. |
| Curriculum Opportunities | 3D Printing is taught as part of the GCSE in Design & Technology in Electronics, Graphics & Resistant Materials and used frequently at KS4 in Years 10 & 11. | GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition is taught in Year 10 & 11. Food commodities are used to cover a broad range of practical skills and knowledge essential for life skills and successful completion of NEA1 & NEA2 and final written exam. | GCSE D&T Graphics is taught in Year 10 & 11, where logo & packaging design and the launch of new products is key when students complete the NEA Coursework project in Year 11. | GCSE D&T Resistant Materials is taught in Year 10 & 11, where wood is used predominantly to create final products as part of the NEA Coursework project which students complete during Year 11. | Textiles is also taught in Year 8, where students progress to using computerised sewing machines to create a cushion cover. |
| Career Links | GCSE D&T, A Level Product Design, CAD/CAM Designer | Dietician, Nutritionist, Chef, Food Technologist | Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Architect & Product Designer | Joinery, all aspects of Engineering & Product Designer | Textiles Designer, Fashion Designer, Sewing Machinist, etc. |
Year 8
The Rationale
Students continue to build upon the skills, knowledge and understanding taught and learnt in Year 7 in five specific subject areas; Electronics, Food & Nutrition, Graphics, Resistant Materials and Textiles. All projects are 8 weeks long and are delivered on a carousel, where students rotate five times throughout the academic year.
| Electronics | Food & Nutrition | Graphics | Resistant Materials | Textiles | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum content | Design styles and their influence Hardwoods and softwoods and their key differences How to use workshop equipment safely. Selection of appropriate hand tools and equipment to manufacture products effectively. Sublimation printing and transfer process used on different materials. 2-point perspective drawing technique used to present design ideas. Use computer software in order to generate high quality graphical logos. | Safe and hygienic procedures whilst working in a food preparation area Step by step methods used to help produce high quality final products Use of basic tools, equipment, electrical appliances. Combine foods to create and change food products Healthy eating guidelines Physical and chemical properties of materials or ingredients. Recognise consumer views Combine, shape and form food products accurately with due regard to the avoidance of waste | 3-D sketching, drawing to scale, and simple design developments Develop layout, line, lettering skills, isometric drawing skills Integrate drawing, modelling of moving parts and text into developing a design. Modelling and evaluating paper mechanisms. Construction of card mechanisms Accurate marking out, scoring and cutting Safe working practises when cutting and working with craft knives Commercial printing processes | Explore creativeness in producing an original idea to fit a personal brief Wood fabrication, drilling, wasting, marking out, joining materials Safe working practises when using hand tools, pillar drill, sanding machine Manufacture a quality product Hardwoods & Softwoods Incorporate CAD/CAM into final outcome Use of wood varnish or Danish oil | Introduce the use of the sewing machine Develop investigative skills using textile materials Different types of fabric and their use Basic principles of pattern drafting Joining techniques – both permanent and semi-permanent Reinforcing & decorating fabrics Methods of fastenings Graphic communication techniques and presentation skills Develop an understanding of materials, their properties and effective care Develop an awareness of industrial processes |
| Key skills | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Develop mood board as a point of interest for design ideas inspiration Development of chosen idea Understanding of wood work tools, equipment and machinery in a workshop environment. Evaluate final outcome. | Practical’s: Muffins, Pasta Bake, Scones, Spring rolls, Jam tarts, Risotto, Chilli, Cheesecake Sustainability Fairtrade food products Sustainable fish sources Food ethics Dietary issues – obesity Food waste British seasonal food products Food security and growing your own produce Vegetarian dishes Local produce | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Development & modelling of chosen idea Understanding of paper mechanisms: V-fold, slide, rotary, window, coil & beak Understanding of colour psychology and typography Evaluate final outcome. | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Develop mood board as a point of interest for design ideas inspiration Development & modelling of chosen idea Understanding of wood work tools, equipment and machinery in a workshop environment. Evaluate final outcome. | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Development of chosen idea Basic functions of a computerised sewing machine How to thread a computerised sewing machine Paper patterns, pinning pattern paper, running stitch, zig zag stitch, sewing applique and buttons Evaluate final outcome |
| How can you engage with your child? | Encourage your son/daughter to experiment with household products that can be used to amplify sounds from a mobile phone, for example, a drinking glass or cereal box. | Encourage your son/daughter to help during meal times in the kitchen to prepare, cook and bake food products, and also to wash up and tidy away afterwards. Encourage your son/daughter to make more sustainable food choices when it comes to meal planning in the home. | Encourage your son/daughter to have a well-stocked pencil case with the correct drawing & other equipment required for Graphics, for example, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, scissors, glue, ruler, rubber, eraser and compass. Encourage your son/daughter to be creative at home; keep a sketchbook of different doodles, sketches and design ideas. | Encourage your son/daughter to make models at home, from card or even wood products, if this is a practical and safe option. | Encourage your son/daughter to sew by hand or with a sewing machine at home to make clothing, craft items. Watch the BBC Sewing Bee. |
| Curriculum Opportunities | GCSE D&T Electronics is taught in Year 10 & 11 where students create products using wood, plastics and printed circuit boards as part of the NEA Coursework project which students complete during Year 11. | GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition is taught in Year 10 & 11. Food commodities are used to cover a broad range of practical skills and knowledge essential for life skills and successful completion of NEA1 & NEA2 and final written exam. | GCSE D&T Graphics is taught in Year 10 & 11, where logo design and packaging design and launch of new products is key when students complete the NEA Coursework project in Year 11. | GCSE D&T Resistant Materials is taught in Year 10 & 11, where wood is used predominantly to create products such as specific storage solutions, bird houses, desk lights, etc. as part of the NEA Coursework project which students complete during Year 11. | Textiles is currently not taught In Year 9 or at GCSE level, but with enough interest this may change in the future. |
| Career Links | GCSE Electronics, A Level Product Design, College, Apprenticeships, Electrician, Engineer and CAD/CAM Designer. | Dietician, Nutritionist, Chef, Food Technologist | Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Architect & Product Designer | Joinery, all aspects of Engineering & Product Designer | Textiles Designer, Fashion Designer, Sewing Machinist, etc. |
Year 9
The Rationale
Students continue to build upon the skills, knowledge and understanding taught and learnt in Year 8 in four specific subject areas; Electronics, Food & Nutrition, Graphics and Resistant Materials. All projects are 8 weeks long and are delivered on a carousel, where students rotate five times throughout the academic year.
In the final rotation of the Summer Term, Year 9 students are split up into their GCSE option choices, therefore; Electronics, Food & Nutrition, Graphics or Resistant Materials. Students are taught the basic key skills and knowledge needed in each material area to enable a solid foundation for the start of their GCSE in September of Year 10.
| Electronics | Food & Nutrition | Graphics | Resistant Materials | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum content | Design styles and their influence Different types of woods, manufactured boards and their uses Different types of polymers, their sources and varying impacts on our environment. Demonstrate an understanding of CAD/CAM and how this can be incorporated into the design process. Simple circuits and components used in circuits and how they function Hand tools and equipment to manufacture products effectively. | Develop student’s awareness of BFH in order to produce safe food. Develop practical skills and learn to apply the BFH principles to ALL practical work Lay down a foundation of skills and knowledge in food preparation, storage and cooking for life Consider a range of practical dishes inspired by international cuisine Basic Food Hygiene Exam | Introduction to CAD software 2D Design Music festival research and music genres Design and digital production of music festival merchandise, including promotion flyer, ticket, wrist band, keyring and coaster Advantages & disadvantages of CAD/CAM New and emerging technologies Automation, crowdfunding, co-operatives, virtual marketing, enterprise and Fairtrade. Papers & boards, their properties and common uses | Introduction to mechanisms and cams Integrate drawing, modelling and text into developing a design Use information and experience gained from appraising products and studying the requirements of school children Design a mechanical system to produce a given effect Recognise and to be aware that products must be safe and comply to relevant standards Produce effective time plans and meet deadlines. |
| Key Skills | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Develop mood board as a point of interest for design ideas inspiration Development of chosen idea Understanding of wood work tools, equipment and machinery in a workshop environment. Soldering of electronic LED strip with USB lead Evaluate final outcome. | Practical’s: Pizza, American cookies, Chicken supreme, Banoffee pie, Indian samosa, Lasagne, Sticky toffee pudding, Paella. Food safety & responsibility of food workers Personal hygiene Contamination and use of colour codes Food poisoning bacteria Use of temperature probes Food allergens Food hazards Chemical contamination | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Research inspirational mood board images Create imaginative design ideas Development of chosen idea Further understanding of colour psychology and typography Develop ICT skills using CAD software 2D Design Evaluate final outcome | Product Analysis – use of ACCESS FM Create imaginative design ideas Develop mood board as a point of interest for design ideas inspiration Development of chosen idea Understanding of wood work tools, equipment and machinery in a workshop environment. Develop knowledge of cams in mechanical systems Develop knowledge of different types of motion in mechanical systems Evaluate final outcome |
| How can you engage with your child? | Encourage your son/daughter to look at LED lighting & electronic products around the home. Look at the Instructables.com website for mini LED projects and ideas. | Encourage your son/daughter to carry out much more independent food practical work at home. Learning to confidently adapt recipes to personal likes of family or eating styles. Learning to apply all the Basic Food Hygiene rules covered in Year 9 course to ensure food is always safe and hygienic to eat. | Encourage your son/daughter to visit modern art galleries and museums. Look up famous Graphic Designers and their work using the Internet. Use social media to follow Graphic Design accounts. | Encourage your son/daughter to look at mechanisms, linkages and different types of movements (rotary, linear, reciprocating and oscillating) at home and in the world around us. |
| Curriculum Opportunities | GCSE D&T Electronics is taught in Year 10 & 11 where students create products using wood, plastics and printed circuit boards as part of the NEA Coursework project which students complete during Year 11. | Completion of Year 9 Basic food hygiene course will enable students to work in part time jobs in food industry and will also give them an initial qualification as a foundation course to introduce GCSE. | GCSE D&T Graphics is taught in Year 10 & 11, where logo, brand & packaging design and the launch of new products is key when students complete the NEA Coursework project in Year 11. | GCSE D&T Resistant Materials is taught in Year 10 & 11, where wood is used predominantly to create products such as specific storage solutions, bird houses, desk lights, etc. as part of the NEA Coursework project which students complete during Year 11. |
| Career Links | GCSE Electronics, A Level Product Design, College, Apprenticeships, Electrician, Engineer and CAD/CAM Designer. | Good food and nutrition knowledge can lead to careers in the following areas: Dietician, Nutritionist, Chef, Food Technologist, Sports careers, primary teachers, nursing courses. | Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Architect & Product Designer | Joinery, all aspects of Engineering & Product Designer |
