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Richard Challoner School

Design and Technology

DT Teachers

  • Mrs C Owen (Subject Leader)
  • Mr N Henderson
  • Mr A Norton
  • Mr R Stansbridge

A Vision for Design & Technology

In Design and Technology at Richard Challoner, we are committed to providing a curriculum that nurtures student’s creativity and design skills. We aim to develop the autonomous problem solvers of the future, who are resilient when they face challenges. Our proactive approach aims to challenge students, both inside and outside the classroom.

We aim to support students in their understanding and appreciation of real-world DT issues, for example, the understanding and implications of sustainable products in contemporary society. Our objective is to provide a safe space where students can air their views and ask questions. Our intention is to provide our students with an awareness of designers and new/iconic products, with a focus on their relevance to society. DT has very close links with STEM subjects, which, we aim to highlight to students and foster skills/knowledge of these subjects in our units of work. Through our teaching we strive to teach transferable life skills in a variety of ideas i.e. using initiative, being organised, good teamwork, being innovative.

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Teachers of KS3: Mrs C Owen, Mr A Norton and Mr R Stansbridge.

Year 7

Sketch Book Focus: Alessi Company

Manufacturing: Systems and Control. Electronic Doorbell.
Focus:

  • Basic systems.
  • Soldering.
  • Electronic components and circuits.
  • Use of Vacuum forming, Pillar Drill and Jigs.

Design development: Designing with Polymers
Focus:

  • Design Styles.
  • Exploration of Plastics using laser cutting and Adhesives.
  • 2D Design.
  • Inspiration: Alessi

Real world design 1: Gears and Levers.

  • Ranges of motion
  • Transfer of motion
  • Names and classifications of different types of motion, gears, levers and cams.

Real world design 2: Engineering Day – 1 whole day of design challenges.

  • Teamwork
  • Careers
  • Problem solving
  • Creative thinking

Year 8

Sketch Book Focus: Ini Archibong

Manufacturing: Metal manufacturing – varied processes. Candle holder.
Focus:

  • Brazing.
  • Annealing.
  • Dip Coating.
  • Hollowing.

Design development: Designing through sketching & prototypes.
Focus:

  • Biomimicry design.
  • Iterative Design.
  • Aerodynamics.
  • Prototype development.
  • Design and development.

Real world design: Computer controller re-design
Focus:

  • Smart Materials.
  • Google SketchUp.
  • CAD/CAM.
  • Social, moral and ethical issues
  • Inspiration: Apple Company.

Year 9

Sketch Book Focus: Philippe Starck

Manufacturing: Manufacturing using Timber.
Focus:

  • Timber Joints.
  • Staining.
  • Routing.
  • Gantt Chart – Planning
  • Adhesives.

Design development: Designing using Pewter casting
Focus:

  • 2D Design
  • Cultural design.
  • User focus design.
  • Casting.
  • Design development.
  • Production lines.

Real world design: Iterative design: Designing with Technology
Focus:

  • Team work.
  • Problem solving.
  • Iterative ideas.
  • Innovation.
  • Reflection and Evaluation.

KS4: GCSE Design Technology

Teachers:

Mr C Owen – Subject Leader
Mr N Henderson
Mr A Norton

Exam Board: AQA
Course Title: AQA GCSE Design Technology
Link to specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552

KS4 Overview

In this course we aim to apply students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating. A large part of the specification is delivered through the practical application of this knowledge and understanding. Topics and themes are taught within the below areas:

  • Core technical principles – this  covers core technical principles and all content must be taught.
  • Specialist technical principles - this specialist technical principles is where students will go into greater depth. Each principle will be taught through the material catagories of timber, polymer and metal.
  • Designing and making principles – this covers design and making principles and all content in this section must be taught.

Students must also demonstrate mathematical and scientific knowledge and understanding, in relation to design and technology. At least 15% of the final exam will assess maths and at least 10% will assess science.

Examination/Assessment

  1. NEA (Non Exam Assessment) – worth 50% of the final grade.
  2. Exam – worth 50% of the final grade.

Year 10:  Lessons: Double and single each week. A number of units that develop students’ knowledge and skills as practice and knowledge to tackle the NEA.
Double: Units include - Design development, Christmas Enterprise, Workshop skills and a Practice NEA.
Single: Core knowledge.

Year 11:  Lessons: Double and single each week. Focus on NEA and core knowledge.
Double: NEA focused work.
Single: Core knowledge.

KS5: A Level Design Technology: Product Design

Teachers:

Mr C Owen – Subject Leader
Mr N Henderson
Mr A Norton

Exam Board: AQA
Course title: AQA GCSE Design Technology
Link to specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/as-and-a-level/design-and-technology-product-design-7552

KS5 Overview

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. A-level Design and Technology: Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. Students will cover design and technology skills and knowledge that are separated into the below titles:

  • Technical principles
  • Designing and making principles

Students must also demonstrate maths and science skills.

Examination/Assessment

  1. NEA (Non Exam Assessment) – worth 50% of the final grade.
  2. Paper 1: Technical Principles –30% of the final grade.
    Paper 2: Design and making principles – 20% of the final grade.

Year 12:  Lessons: Double and single each week. A number of units that develop students’ knowledge and skills as practice and knowledge to tackle the NEA.
Double: Units include - Re-design, User focused product, product design inspired by design styles and workshop skills.
Single: Core knowledge.

Year 13:  Lessons: Double and single each week. Focus on NEA and core knowledge.
Double: NEA focused work.
Single: Core knowledge.

 

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