Design & Technology
Primary
At Primary we follow the Curriculum in Unity Schools Partnerhip (CUSP) curriculum. Built around the principles of evidence-led practice, this curriculum ensures that pupils are equipped to successfully think, work and communicate like a designer. Unapologetically ambitious, our curriculum focuses on excellence in this subject through a range of disciplines and by referencing outstanding practitioners in this field.
The CUSP Design and Technology curriculum is organised into blocks with each block covering a particular set of disciplines, including food and nutrition, mechanisms, structures, systems, electrical systems, understanding materials and textiles. Vertical progression in each discipline has been deliberately woven into the fabric of the curriculum so that pupils revisit key disciplines throughout their Primary journey at increasing degrees of challenge and complexity. In addition to the core knowledge required to be successful within each discipline, the curriculum outlines key aspects of development in the Working as a Designer section. Each module will focus on promoting different aspects of these competencies. This will support teachers in understanding pupils’ progress as designers more broadly, as well as how successfully they are acquiring the taught knowledge and skills.
Years 7, 8 and 9
Design and Technology is a multi-faceted, vibrant subject. It is a marriage of creative, imaginative ideas and valuable practical skills. It helps students understand the man-made environment around them while incorporating and drawing on an array of knowledge from disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing, engineering and art.
Students learn to use research, investigation and insight to solve real and relevant problems by designing and making products. Completing projects to a high standard pupils will first use basic techniques in the lower years, before going on to master more complex equipment, such as the CAD/CAM laser cutter, CNC milling machine and lathe.
Course Content
Throughout Years 7-9, each year group is rotated on a bi-termly basis, allowing them the opportunity to study Product Design, Food Technology and Textiles. Students are encouraged to develop their creative, technical and practical expertise through a variety of activities and projects, using a range of materials and processes to produce their designs. Each project has been planned so that students will build on their skills and understanding, year on year.
Design and Technology in its very nature, encourages students to exhibit our BRISTOL values. As students practical skills advance and their confidence grows, they will understand the importance of being resilient – developing their problem solving abilities and learning to work effectively as part of a team.
Years 10 & 11
Springboard is a company that support students learning and progress in catering and becoming a chef. They have launched an interactive site to offer digital lessons, videos and support and its free!!!
https://lms.futurechef.uk.net/local/vouchers/redeem.php?vouchercode=1a0f1ebe3f36555e5a42c056a0ff08cc
To guide you through here is a YouTube tutorial. https://youtu.be/Z-UTEyLP_rE
Course Title: Design and Technology: Product Design
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE
Students are encouraged to look at the products all around them in an inquisitive way. From the car that they yearn for, the latest mobile phone on the market, the hottest catwalk trend or even the knife and forks they use for their meals, every single product began life as an idea. And this is not a new phenomenon; our fascination with 3D design goes back to flint arrow heads and earthenware pots.
About the course
GCSE Design and Technology: Product Design enables students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques.
Packaging, labelling and instructions are encouraged as part of the complete design proposal, as is advertising, points of sale can be used to supplement the making experience and help create products which can be evaluated for their commercial viability.
How it is assessed
Unit 1: Written Paper
40% of total marks
2 hours
120 marks
Unit 2: Design and Making Practice
60% of total marks
Approximately 45 hours
90 marks
Consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks
Course Title: Food Preparation and Nutrition
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification: GCSE
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition provides students with an array of culinary techniques, as well as knowledge of nutrition, food traditions and kitchen safety, as they develop their skills in our specialist food technology room.
About the course
The GCSE specification in Food Preparation and Nutrition will equip students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and encouragement they need to cook. It will give them the ability to apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating.
Students will be able to make informed decisions about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways, and develop vital life skills so that they can feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously.
How it is assessed
Unit 1: Written Exam
1 hour 45 min 100 marks - 50%
Unit 2: Food investigation & Food preparation assessment
100 marks - 50%
Consists of a written or electronic report and portfolio of evidence.
Further information:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-product-design-4555