Technology holds a unique place within the school curriculum, it is the subject of the man-made world around us and how we interact with it, and so one of the major strengths of all the subject specialisms taught within Technology lie in their ability to help students to identify potential improvements to current products and processes, and so empower them to try to improve current products and change the world around themselves for the better.
Technology as a subject is both intellectual and practical in nature. Through testing, experimentation and manufacturing products students develop a practical knowledge of the working properties of materials as well as knowledge of both hand and computer aided manufacturing techniques; they develop both hand and computer aided design drawing and presentation skills; and use ICT to help research, communicate and realise their ideas.
These skills are backed up by an intellectual understanding of the design process and design history, as well as imaginative problem solving, analytical and evaluative skills that will enable students to produce well-designed products that meet the needs of the target market.
Students are also introduced to the possibilities presented by new and emerging technologies such as smart materials and they also consider the social, moral and environmental impact on society of design and future technological developments.
As well as providing students with the opportunity to explore their creativity, build on previous skills and knowledge and develop a high standard of presentation as designers are required to do in the real world the curriculum has been designed to re-enforce the close links between Technology and not just Maths and Science, but to Computer Science, Art & Design, Humanities, Physical Education and be seen as a subject that links the wider school curriculum.
Key Stage 3
As students often arrive in secondary education without little or no Technology experience at KS2 students are introduce to Health & Safety in the workshop and are guided in good practice in practical work. Investigations are carried out into physical properties and manipulation techniques of common woods, metals, plastics, papers, cards, boards and natural and synthetic compliant materials. Pupils are introduced to CAD/CAM, systems and control along with joining materials. The origin sources of materials, and issues surrounding sustainability are explored. The design process is introduced and followed throughout student rotations, this encourages students to critically evaluate their designs and products and suggest modifications and improvements. Students are introduced to current and historical key designers, their iconic brands and products and the reasons for their success. Subjects currently studied at KS3 are – Resistant Materials, Graphics and Food.
Key Stage 4
Learning is broken down into three main components:
Core Technical Principles:
Students explore new and emerging technologies, energy storage, developments in new materials, mechanical devices, core materials and their properties.
Specialist Technical Principles:
As a part of the designing and making processes students are exposed to schemes covering selection of materials, forces and stresses, ecological footprints, sources and origins of materials, stock, forms, sizes and types, scales of production and their implementations, specialist techniques and surface treatments/finishes.
Designing & Making Principles:
Students are guided through the design process and are aware for the need for research, designing, developing, realising and evaluating, and appreciating that the approach can be holistic.
Aims and outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding that all design and technological activity takes place within contexts that influence the outcomes of design practice.
- Students will aim to develop realistic design proposals as a result of the exploration of design opportunities and users’ needs, wants and values.
- Students will use imagination, experimentation and combine ideas when designing.
- Students will develop the skills to critique and refine their own ideas whilst designing and making.
- Students should be able to communicate their design ideas and decisions using different media and techniques, as appropriate for different audiences at key points in their designing.
- Students will develop decision making skills, including the planning and organisation of time and resources when managing their own project work
- Students will develop a broad knowledge of materials, components and technologies and practical skills to develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes.
- Students should be encouraged to be ambitious and open to explore and take design risks in order to stretch the development of design proposals, avoiding clichéd or stereotypical responses
- Students should consider the costs, commercial viability and marketing of products.
- Students must demonstrate safe working practices in design and technology.
- Students must use key design and technology terminology including those related to designing, innovation and communication; materials and technologies; making, manufacture and production; critiquing, values and ethics.
Subjects specialisms studied at KS4 are:
Resistant Materials, Graphics, Textiles.
Future Careers
Studying Technology can lead to a wide range of careers including: Engineering; product and industrial design; fabrications; architecture; jewellery design; fashion and textiles design; film and theatre set design; self-employed craftspeople; graphic designer/artist; illustrator; cartoonist, animator; book and magazine design; web based design; and advertising.
