Design Technology (Y7-11)
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
Steve Jobs
Design and technology at BWH is about encouraging, teaching and inspiring children to:
- Enjoy the subject
- Design creatively
- Develop high-quality making and thinking skills
- Pay attention to detail
- Have the confidence to experiment and make informed decisions
- Produce quality products in a range of materials
- Use technology to make things work
- Work independently
- Evaluate critically and suggest modifications
Design and technology is a dynamic and enormously valuable subject area in which all pupils can develop confidence, self-esteem and vital key skills.)
Subject staff
Miss J Capewell - Curriculum Leader
Miss A Robinson
Mrs E Baker
Mr K Cornwall - Technician
Curriculum Overview
In years 7 and 8 our students experience all areas (Product Design, Graphics, Textiles and Food and Nutrition) of Design and Technology and produce products and innovative designs which are delivered by specialist teachers in specialist rooms. The aim of each project brief is to introduce and develop material-specific skills as well as helping each student to learn to apply a creative and analytical approach to problem-solving. Every student has access to the full curriculum as they move through the projects, gaining experience and confidence working with the full range of materials and specialist equipment. The specific projects we use are reviewed and developed each year, but are generally focused on the following:
- Food – Healthy lifestyles, introduction to cooking skills, nutrition and dietary requirements and food from around the world.
- Textiles – Introduction to hand sewing, using a sewing machines, designing textile products, and e-textiles.
- Product Design – Introduction to using hand tools and machinery, designing and producing products fit for the specific target market, use of CAD (Computer Aided Design) to enhance products.
- Graphics – Introduction to logos, typography and iconic brands, designing own typefaces and fonts, producing high quality packaging using hand drawing techniques and CAD/CAM.
GCSE Design and technology
This course is currently under the exam board AQA. This consists of 50% NEA and 50% Examination.
Students will be required to complete their NEA based on a specialism of their choice (Product Design, Graphics or Textiles). Students will be expected to complete their NEA between the time frame of June (Year 10) until March (Year 11). Student will be expected to research, design, make and evaluate a product based on one of the briefs that AQA have set.
Extra-curricular
GCSE Design and Technology students in Year 11 have access to tailored DT tuition and drop-in intervention. Intervention is a drop-in service for students who want extra support and runs at lunchtimes Tuesday-Friday by DT specialist staff.
Revision Materials
Useful Links
For Design and Technology
For all areas of Design and Technology
