Design & Technology
subject overview
Design and Technology is both a practical and academic subject. It provides our young people with the opportunity to actively respond to class based projects with creativity and rationality. Design and Technology teaches our children how to make important design decisions and how to become more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable. Our learners also develop a critical understanding of the impact of design and technology in daily life and the wider world. Design and Technology delivers excellent opportunities for our learners to develop and apply judgements in relation to; aesthetics, economic, moral, social, and of a technological nature in both their own designing and when evaluating the work of others.ion content
Unit overview - New & Emerging Technologies
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Skills |
Practical Skills:
English skills:
Mathematics skills:
ICT skills:
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Knowledge |
Industry & Enterprise:
Sustainability & the Environment:
People, Culture & Society:
Production & Techniques:
Informing Design Decisions:
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Rationale |
Understanding the origins of resources and the impact they can have on the environment. To comprehend the influence of technology and new materials in relation to the world that they live in. They will know the various styles of marketing which is used in today’s society, in particular, the use of algorithms that search engines use on the internet use when advertising products. Various manufacturing techniques will be discussed and how products are disposed of once they come to the end of their life. |
Unit overview - Timber based materials
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Timber based materials |
Skills |
Practical Skills:
English skills:
Mathematics skills:
ICT skills:
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Knowledge |
Energy generation:
Energy storage:
Modern materials:
Smart materials:
Composite materials & technical textiles:
Systems approach to designing:
Electronic systems processing:
Mechanical devices:
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Rationale |
Being aware of forms of energy generation and storage, which are used to support our society. Extend their knowledge of composite, modern and smart materials, which are used to improve products and therefore our lives. To have a basic understanding of a variety of electronic processes/systems and how they are used in today products. Know basic mechanical devices relating to motion and forces. |
Unit overview - Materials and their working properties
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Skills |
English skills:
ICT skills:
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Knowledge
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Papers and Boards:
Timbers:
Metals and Alloys:
Polymers:
Textiles:
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Rationale
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Learners will have a wide breadth of understanding the origins, basic manufacturing, standardised materials/components, production methods and classifications of the above materials. This will help influence the learner’s decision-making when designing and creating products. |
Unit overview - Ecological & Social Foot print
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Skills |
Practical Skills:
English skills:
Mathematics skills:
ICT skills:
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Knowledge |
Forces and stresses
Improving functionality
Ecological and social foot print
6 R’s
Scale of production.
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Rationale |
This unit focuses on important content such as ecological implications of design. The 6 R’s support designers in making the correct decision, which will benefit eco-friendly design. Learners will understand the implications to the environment, if decision-making does not take heed of the damage that specific production methods and materials produce. We currently have data showing how the human race has already had a huge impact on planet Earth. Which has led to a change in design thinking. Much more needs to be achieved to ensure a healthier environment for humans and many other earth dwelling species. |
Unit overview - Timber based materials
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Timber based materials |
Skills |
Practical Skills:
English skills:
Mathematics skills
ICT skills:
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Knowledge |
Sources, Origins and Properties:
Working with Timber:
Manufacturing & Finishing:
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Rationale |
Learners will understand where wood-based materials come from and their processes to make them usable to a consumer. They will understand the importance of the Forest Stewardship Council for conservation of woodlands. They will also have a deeper understanding of the illegal wood trade from economically challenge countries. This understanding will support choices they make as adults and how they could have an impact on the can have an impact on the environment. |
Unit overview - Design Principles
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Skills |
Practical Skills:
English skills:
Mathematics skills:
ICT skills:
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Knowledge |
Investigation, Primary and Secondary
Work of others
Companies
Design Strategies
Communicating ideas
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Rationale |
Learners need to be able to research varies topics for adulthood. For instance being able to find out information of topics, which they wish to pursue in life. If they wish to make a successful product, it is essential for them to understand the design process. Part of the design process is to be able to analyse existing products and be able to research different design genres and designers. Understanding design strategies illustrates the importance of collaborating in a team, and how these skills will support them in a future workplace. It is essential for learners to have basic drawing skills as they need to be able to communicate their ideas so that they can make a prototype of their design. As adults, it may be necessary for learners to be able to communicate garden landscaping or a layout of a new kitchen/ bedroom etc. |
Unit overview - Materials, Components and Finishes
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Skills |
English skills:
Mathematics skills
ICT skills:
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Knowledge |
Selection of Materials and components:
Tolerances:
Material management:
Tools, Equipment, Techniques and Finishes:
Surface Treatments and Finishes:
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Rationale |
It is important for learners to select the correct materials for home use or when designing products. Many people engage in DIY, and it is important for them to be able to mark, measure and cut out a variety of materials, using the appropriate health and safety guidance at all times. It is fundamental for the learners to be able to recognise a variety of basic tools and equipment. This knowledge will support them throughout their lifetime, whether it be for home or work use. Understanding what finishes are required for several materials is essential for promoting the longevity of products. |
knowledge Organiser
A knowledge organiser is an important document that lists the important facts that learners should know by the end of a unit of work. It is important that learners can recall these facts easily, so that when they are answering challenging questions in their assessments and GCSE and A-Level exams, they are not wasting precious time in exams focusing on remembering simple facts, but making complex arguments, and calculations.
We encourage all pupils to use them by doing the following:
- Quiz themselves at home, using the read, write, cover, check method.
- Practise spelling key vocabulary
- Further researching people, events and processes most relevant to the unit.