“Throughout my 3 years at Bishop Stopford School, Design & Technology has always been close to my heart. Not only is it a personal favourite of mine but its staff and surroundings make it definitely an outstanding Faculty.” – Year 9 student.
Our emphasis in DT is to uphold our School's Intent by:
- prioritising individual worth and social cohesion in our lessons
- developing highly literate students and
- developing character
These are shown through the range of activities we have on offer in each lesson, where independent and group study are the norm, the focus on use of precise, technical language in each lesson, and our quality of interactions with our students, so that they are able to take responsibility for their own learning behaviour.
Key Stage 3
Our aims are those enshrined in the National Curriculum:
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making.
Design
- Students use research and exploration, to identify and understand user needs, identify and solve their own design problems and respond to needs in a variety of situations.
Make
- Select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer aided manufacture
- Select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials and components, taking into account their properties
Evaluate
- Analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding
- Investigate new and emerging technologies
- Test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users.
Technical knowledge
- Understand how electrical and electronic systems can be powered and used in their products.
Key Stage 4
The course is administered by AQA. It follows a full ‘design and make’ exercise based on a theme set by AQA and is assessed through a Non Examined Assessment task. There is also written examination which covers all aspects of the course including material specific knowledge and understanding and designing skills.
Topics covered:
- Core Design Theory
- Introductory projects prepare students for the controlled assessment task.
- Non Examined Assessment design portfolio.
- Realisation of product(s) and evaluation completed to deadline.
- Exam preparation and revision exercises
Assessment:
- AQA specification
- Non Examined Assessment – 50% of the final subject grade.
- Written examination – 50% of the final subject grade.
- Group feedback is provided following Non Examined Assessment rules.
The curriculum is carefully structured, so that there are progressive levels of challenge and high expectations in each year.
From Year 7, students will undertake practical activities in all material areas, consider the role of technology in the wider world, extend their knowledge of key processes and sustainable working.
By the end of Year 9, our learners will be able to write as designers, and build increasingly sophisticated skills in evaluation. They will also develop confidence in practical processes and be able to design and manufacture products that solve problems for specific target markets.
The Design & Technology Curriculum Plans can be found at the bottom of this page.
Homework:
30 minutes of homework is set each week. The nature and style of homework is largely dependent on the class activity being undertaken but will generally focus on design skills and / or theoretical knowledge. During the Non Examined Assessment, homework will focus on appropriate areas of study.
Text books are loaned to students when necessary for theory work and/or revision purposes.
Enrichment
London Residential Trip (subject to availability)
Mr J Sidgwick – Head of Department
