Design, Technology and Engineering

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Technology Teaching Staff

Mr D Biles: Curriculum Lead, Technology
Mrs J Slaughter: Design and Technology
Mr S Murray: Design and Technology
Mr D Evans: Catering
Mr N Constant: Catering
Miss L Burningham: Graphics
Mr J Thorne: Technology Technician
Mr Robin Taylor: Catering Technician

At the heart of Design Technology lies the design process; a place where the imagination is put to use solving problems and developing opportunities to improve our lives.

From year 7 onwards students investigate, make and test their ideas with a range of projects; providing opportunities to work in different materials using a range of tools and equipment.

The department now offers Art, Catering, Design and Technology, Engineering and Photography all situated in The Base.

Our art, photography and technology department has an Instagram account, where it showcases and celebrates students’ work. You can find them @saacreative

Design, Technology and Engineering

Research, drawing, modelling, “making” (in wood metal and plastics), evaluating and improving. Design and Technology develops skills that can lead to careers in Manufacturing, Engineering, Architecture, Building trades, and many more besides. The problem solving and communication skills are but two of the many invaluable qualities that this subject will nurture; qualities highly regarded by colleges universities and employers.

In years 7 and 8 students experience their technology as part or a rotation. These subjects include: Engineering, Design and Technology, Catering, Graphic Design and Computer Science. These consist of six weekly projects; practical and hands-on from the start, students learn by doing; gaining direct experience of the available materials and tools. Students practice with small exercises; building skills and confidence, before tackling their project brief.

Students will undertake drawing exercises and will have the opportunity to develop their ICT skills with Computer Aided Design; this is all part of the skills needed to communicate ideas.

In Year 7 Technology projects include; Amplifier Speaker, Pewter Cast Jewellery, laminated clock and a Packaging Project. All projects have aspects of CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing) integrated.

In Year 8 Technology projects include; Art Deco Clock, Balancing Toy, Desk Tidy, Mobile Phone Holder and Mechanical Card Project. Again all projects have aspects of CAD/CAM integrated.

In Year 9 Students will further develop their Engineering and Design and Technology skills, solving problems by designing and manufacturing projects using the design process. These projects include; Lighting, Travel and Communication, 3D Design and Print Project.

Students are expected to complete Home Learning at KS3 on a fortnightly basis.

Students will then be guided as to the most appropriate KS4 Technology Subject to selectin their options.

At Key Stage 4 it’s a practical approach that encourages students to design and make products with creativity and originality. This includes a variety of practical activities, using a range of materials and techniques. Your learning at KS3 is further developed in the following areas; woods, metals, plastics, composite materials, systems and control the design process and CAD/CAM.

The Design and Technology qualification is assessed by, controlled assessment 50% (students undertake one design and make project, choosing one design brief from a prescribed list) and an Exam 50% (two hour duration)

Engineering Level 1 / 2 Award provides a more practical alternative to GCSE at KS4. The qualification is based around the world of engineering and aims to introduce students to the various strands available within the field. This qualification offers students the chance to develop knowledge, skills and understanding through tasks set in realistic work-related contexts.

Unit 1 Engineering Design 25% Internal Controlled Assessment

Unit 2 Producing Engineering Products 50% Internal Assessment (A Practical Workshop Task)

Unit 3 Solving Engineering Problems 25% External Exam

Catering

Catering looks at all aspects of the food industry. You will learn everything from cooking methods, nutrition and the hospitality industry, not to mention basic and advanced skills

Catering can lead to a number of different roles in the hospitality and catering sector. Whether it is running a restaurant or kitchen or training to become a chef.

The course will be valuable to gain key skills but will also lead to a number of career paths. you could go onto college to a course in catering and hospitality which could even lead to university to study events management.

The course will be based on half theory and half practical. The emphasis will be on building up advanced practical skills but with that the theory and knowledge to support it. The kitchen will be a busy motivated environment and students will sometimes work as a group or individually. Students will be encouraged to work as independently from the teacher as much as possible.

In year 7 there will be a focus on making sure students work safely and hygienically in practical lessons such as using a knife correctly and understanding what cross contamination is.

Students will learn the basics of cooking, starting off with biscuits and soup then progress onto basic dough products such as bread and pizza.

In Year 8 the emphasis in theory will be healthy eating where students will have a good understanding of the main nutrients in the diet and the purpose they have in the body. They will also learn about healthy lifestyles and what is a balanced meal.

In the practical sessions they will learn how to make a white sauce using a roux where they will make macaroni cheese and basic pastry dishes. They will also learn how to make healthy tasty dishes from scratch

In Year 9 Students have the opportunity to complete a foundation course in Catering. It will give them a depth of knowledge and further Catering skills which will help prepare them in later life, even if the decide not to choose this to study further at KS4.

They will look at advanced cookery skills such as fresh pasta, puff pastry, choux pastry and more complex short crust pastry dishes such as lemon meringue pie. Home learning is set and marked on a fortnightly basis.

At Key Stage 4 students Study the WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational award in Hospitality and catering.

The course contains two main units.

Unit 1 The Hospitality and catering Industry. (40% External Online Exam)

Unit 2 Hospitality and catering in action (60% Internal Practical Assessment)

These units concentrate on the food preparation and service aspect of the hospitality and catering industry. Topics of study include; The industry – food and drink. Job roles, employment opportunities and relevant training. Health, safety and hygiene. Food preparation, cooking and presentation. Nutrition and menu planning.

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