Design and Technology
The Importance of Design and
Technology:
In design and technology pupils combine practical and technological
skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems
to meet human needs. In design and technology pupils learn to use
today's technologies and participate in developing tomorrow's. They
learn to think creatively and intervene to improve quality of life,
solving problems as individuals and members of a team. Working in
stimulating contexts that provide a spectrum of opportunities and
draw on the local ethos, community and wider world, pupils identify
needs and opportunities. They respond with ideas, products and systems,
challenging expectations where appropriate. They combine practical
and intellectual skills with an understanding of aesthetic, technical,
cultural, health, social, emotional, economic, industrial and environmental
issues. As they do so, they evaluate present and past design and
technology, and its uses and effects. Through design and technology
pupils become confident practically and develop as discriminating
users of products. They apply their creative thinking and learn
to innovate, developing their self-esteem.
For more information about the curriculum for Design &
Technology, click on the link below or visit the QCA
website.
Curriculum Outline
What Your Son Will Be Studying At Key Stage
3:
During each year at Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) your son will experience
3 different projects covering the following key areas of Design
and Technology:
- Resistant Materials
- Textiles
- Graphics
- Systems and Control
After developing a range of different skills in each project he
will then choose which subject he wishes to take on to GCSE level
at the end of year 9.
The Projects at Key Stage 3:
Year 7:
| Project Name |
Details of the project |
| Moisture Tester Project
Focus: Resistant Materials & Systems & Control |
The focus of this project is to design and make a moisture
tester. Your son will experiment with different materials to
assess their suitability for this project and solder and electronic
circuit to allow the product to function. |
Business Card Project
Focus: Graphics |
The focus of this project is to design and make a Business
Card and Business Card Holder. Your son will experiment with
different graphic materials (paper, card etc.) in addition to
developing his skill with a range of 2D CAD packages. |
Batik Project
Focus: Textiles |
The focus of this project is to develop a range of textiles
skills to develop a batik inspired by ‘sea life’. |
Year 8:
| Project Name |
Details of the project |
| Pull Along Toy Project
Focus: Resistant Materials & Systems & Control |
The focus of this project is to design and make a child’s
pull along toy from softwood and manufactured board. He will
develop his practical skill in the production and assembly of
different woods in addition to building an understanding of
basic mechanisms. |
Desk Tidy
Focus: Graphics |
In this project your son will design and make a creative desk
tidy from a range of graphic materials to suit a clients needs. |
Lino Printing/Soft Toy Project
Focus: Textiles |
In this project students develop their skills in lino cutting/printing
to produce an African inspired print in addition to designing
and making a stress relieving toy. |
Year 9:
| Project Name |
Details of the project |
| Steady Hand Game Project
Focus: Resistant Materials & Systems & Control |
In this project your son will work with wood and metal to
produce a steady hand game. He will develop an understanding
of wood joints and electronic components. |
CD Artwork/Cover Project
Focus: Graphics |
In this project your son will further develop his skills in
using CAD to produce the CD artwork and layout for a CD Cover. |
Bag Project
Focus: Textiles |
In this project your son will further develop his fabric construction
skills in addition to learning about various decorative techniques
to produce a sports bag. |
What Your Son Will Be Studying At Key Stage
4:
In years 10 and 11 pupils work on a single project for the subject
they chose at the end of Key Stage 3. In every project they are
expected to produce a design project folio and practical element
in addition to sitting a written exam. The areas of Design &
Technology at Saint Bonaventure’s school are as follows:
EdExcel
Resistant Materials
EdExcel
Textiles
OCR
Systems and Control
AQA
Product Design
AQA
Graphic Products
What Your Son Can Choose To Study At Key Stage 5:
At Key Stage 5 Saint Bonaventure’s school offers OCR’s
Product Design course and AS and A2 levels details can be found
at:
OCR
AS/A level GCE Design and Technology
Staffing:
There are currently seven members of staff working in the
department and one dedicated technician. Each Key Stage has
its own co-coordinators, separate to the Head of the Department.
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