Technology

Why is Design Technology important?

Everything we use has been designed by someone to solve a problem. Design Technology develops students' problem solving skills in a creative way. They learn how to take risks and become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. The design technology classroom is a place where students can draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art and see how these subjects are linked.

What is the aim of DT curriculum at Oaklands?

The Design Technology curriculum at Oaklands aims to develop students practical and problem solving skills. It aims to develop students' understanding of the design process from the initial problem which needs to be solved through creative and inventive solutions to a final end product which is practical, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable. Students will consider the work of a range of prominent designers in different fields to enable them to make informed and inventive decisions about the products they choose to make.

How is the curriculum in DT structured?

In year 7 and 8 students will be introduced to a range of key processes and new technologies in design using textiles and resistant materials. Our projects across KS3 have been designed to ensure our students have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and be equipped with the fundamental basic contextual knowledge to positively meet the challenges and demands of the AQA GCSE (9-1) Design Technology at KS4.

Topics covered in Year 7:

Trophy -.CAD, workshop tools and equipment

Health and safety
Tools
Design and make trophy
Materials and sources wood

Topics covered in Year 8:

Night light - structured by wood joints using workshop tools and machinery,laser cut acrylic and incorporates basic electronics.

Topics covered in Year 9:

Clock Design and make a clock - mix materials and workshop processes.

Topics covered in Year 10:

Woods

Metals

Plastics

Paper and board

Electronics

Technical drawing,
Completing a portfolio with a model which answers an NEA style contextual challenge.

Topics covered in Year 11:

In Year 11 students will focus on completing their Unit 2: NEA (Non Exam Assessment): worth 50% of the qualification, whilst also engaging in revision sessions and exam skills in preparation for (June) Unit 1: Written Examination: worth 50% of the qualification.

KS4 Qualification title:

GCSE AQA Design and Technology

Additional learning resources:

www.technologystudent.com/

www.design-technology.info/home.htm

www.dtonline.org

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zby2bdm

https://www.vam.ac.uk/

D&T + Food Curriculum Maps

Practical tips / activities for parents to support learning at home

In addition to discussing learning with your child and monitoring their homework, ensuring your child watches programmes linked to design and technology such as Grand Designs, The Great Interior Design Challenge, The Genius of Design or keeping abreast with the latest technology and trends by reading magazines such as Stuff or T3 will provide them with the broader knowledge they need to access the curriculum. Taking your child to interesting exhibitions and museums on art and design and design technology will inspire them and their own creativity. We recommend Free-Range Exhibition, New Designers, V&A, The London Design Fair, Design Museum and Tate Modern.