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Curriculum

Technology

“Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it.”

Sir Henry Royce

 

We aim to foster and develop a growth mindset that continually promotes a ‘Can do’ attitude which facilitates the interplay between the ‘Knowing how and Knowing why’.

Design & Technology prepares pupils to take part in the development of tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. We are committed to planning, developing, and delivering a programme of study which provides students with the broadest possible range of opportunities. At the heart of this is the desire to deliver a curriculum which has creativity at its core. Creative thinking encourages pupils to make positive changes to their quality of life. The subject encourages pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. It enables them to identify needs and opportunities and to respond by developing ideas, and eventually making products. Through KS3 students in Design Technology will combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functions and industrial practices.

Key Stage 5 curriculum

We currently offer: AS and A Level Design and Technology | Eduqas

The A level is split into two sections. A three-hour written exam is sat at the end of Year 13 and is worth 50% of the qualification. Students are questioned on design and technology in the 21st Century. The remaining 50% is achieved by completing a comprehensive design and make task. It is expected that students will spend 80 hours producing a detailed design folio and practical piece which answers a set brief both creatively and innovatively.

​Students will be taught the following theoretical topics, on which they will be questioned in the written exam:

  • Designing & Innovation
  • Materials & Components
  • Processes
  • Industrial & Commercial Practice
  • Product Analysis and Systems
  • Human Responsibility & Public Interaction

Various mini projects will be completed in Year 12 to allow students to explore a range of ‘design and make’ activities. The projects will develop students’ modelling, CAD/CAM, graphical and practical skills. Students will then be set a design brief moving from Year 12 into 13, which will, where possible, relate to their personal interests and ambitions. A ‘design and make’ approach will be followed to achieve a creative and innovative solution to those briefs.

 

Teaching Staff

  • ​Mr J Nieuwoudt  –Head of Design & Technology – focus email: DandT@jkhs.org.uk
  • Mr J Morgan - Second in Department/KS3/GCSE Metal focus
  • Mrs C Clarkson – KS3/GCSE Timber focus/ In charge of GCSE Child Development
  • Mr R Brehony – KS3/Lead teacher of GCSE Constructing the Built Environment
  • Mrs V Burley –  KS3/GCSE Textiles
  • Mrs C Clarkson – KS3/GCSE Timber focus/ In charge of GCSE Child Development
  • Mrs S Ferguson – KS3 Food/GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
  • Miss Elizabeth Harris - KSS & KS4 Food
  • Mrs N Harvey - Furniss – KS3/GCSE Paper and Board focus/Art