Design Technology
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
Design and Technology at Springwell aims to prepare students to be successful problem solvers in a world where technology is changing rapidly and existing solutions are being developed in response to changing environmental issues. It does this by:
- Equipping students with practical knowledge and skills for everyday life as well as for future learning and employment.
- Challenging students to think analytically, creatively and to work together effectively towards a common goal.
- Creating an understanding of the skills which are needed to manufacture products to a specific brief and specification, including those used in industry and on a commercial scale.
- Sequencing learning in such a way that embeds the design process and iterative design ideology, leading to successful products and prototypes.
Key Stage 3
Provide a largely project based sequence of lessons to give a grounding of knowledge and skills that allow students to create products with different materials using a variety of tools and equipment. This will allow students to study GCSE Design and Technology at Key Stage 4. The course will include:
- Using wood based materials, polymer based materials and basic electronics to create products which fulfil a need.
- Introduce sustainability to ensure that students are fully aware of their responsibilities as citizens and designers in wider society
- Emphasising the importance of working safely and co-operatively in a practical environment.
- Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system;
- Understand a range of ways to use technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including protecting their online identity and privacy; recognise inappropriate content, contact and conduct and know how to report concerns.
Key Stage 4
Create a sequence of lessons to build upon the knowledge and skills gained at Key Stage 3. The aim is to successfully equip students for GCSE assessment at the end of Year 11 as well as preparing them for learning at Post 16. The course will include:
In depth knowledge of :
- New and emerging technologies
- Energy, materials, systems and devices
- Materials and their working properties
- Common specialist technological principles
- Timber based materials
- Designing principles
- Making principles
A significant, assessed design and make task which focuses on the iterative design process requiring students to undertake all aspects of the design process to realise a prototype product within a set timescale using an exam board context.
