Design & Technology
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs.
What makes Design & Technology excellent at Chulmleigh?
Design and Technology aims to equip pupils with the skills and knowledge necessary to design and create products that solve real-world problems. The subject encourages pupils to think critically, creatively and practically, preparing them for a rapidly evolving technological world. It emphasizes the importance of sustainability, social responsibility, and the integration of design principles across various disciplines. The Design and Technology qualification supports students in developing their creative, problem-solving, iterative design thinking and practical making skills, which are essential for their future studies and careers in design and manufacturing.
Assessment
Assessment in Design and Technology combines practical and theoretical evidence to monitor progress. At KS3, pupils are assessed through making products from a range of materials. Self assessment and teacher assessment support reflection and improvement. At KS4, assessment follows the Pearson Edexcel GCSE specification through regular practical and theory assessments, exam-style questions and retrieval practice. Pupils complete a Non-Exam Assessment which equates to 50% of their GCSE grade, as well as a final written examination at the end of Year 11.
Year 7 Curriculum
Term 1
Design and make a wooden bughouse to provide a habitat for local wildlife. Project focus: Introducing pupils to safe working practices using woodworking tools and processes used in the workshop.
Term 2
Design and make a textile monster toy. Project focus: The use of textiles equipment and learning how to hand stitch accurately.
Term 3
Produce a wooden pencil box. Project focus: Building on prior woodworking skills learnt at in the Autumn term. Pupils build their confidence in the workshop to prepare them for moving up into year 8 and into more complex projects.
Year 8 Curriculum
Term 1
Design and make a microhouse room. Project focus: Pupils work in groups to produce a selection of rooms for a microhouse. We focus on proportion and scale. The projects introduces pupils to using papers and boards.
Term 2
Design and make a trophy. Project focus: In this project the pupils are introduced to working with metals. They will combine their woodworking skills with their new metals knowledge to produce a celebratory trophy of their chosen theme.
Term 3
Design and make a wooden car. Project focus: In this project the pupils will produce a wooden car. We will look into branding, and how car manufacturers use this to create a brand identity. Our theory portion of the project covers aerodynamics and the science behind what helps a car travel faster.
Year 9 Curriculum
Term 1
Design and make a pop-art-inspired clock. Project focus: In this project, the pupils use a design movement as inspiration for their designs. We look into the characteristics of the pop art movement, and how we can use these to influence our own designs. Pupils will make use of offcuts of both wood and acrylic, encouraging them to be economical and inventive with the materials they use.
Term 2
Design and make a laser-cut puzzle. Project focus: In this project pupils will learn about automation and how it can be used in production. Pupils will create a laser cut and engraved puzzle using Techsoft. We will build on paper and board skills acquired in Year 8 in making the box to house the puzzle. Graphics for the box will be created on the computers and printed out to allow for a professional finish.
Term 3
Produce a Kinetic toy using CAMS. Project focus: Pupils learn about types of motion, and how to create motion using CAMs. Accuracy is very important in this project so the pupils focus on using precise measurements.
Year 10 Curriculum
Term 1
In the autumn term the pupils will focus on the following sections of theory:
- Timbers (Core and Specialist)
- Metals
- Polymers
- Paper and boards
Term 2
In the Spring term the pupils will focus on the following sections of theory:
- Textiles
- Electronic systems
- Programmable components
- Smart and composite materials
- Mechanical devices
Term 3
In the Summer term the pupils will focus on the following sections of theory:
- New and emerging technologies
- Energy generation and storage
In the latter part of the term, the NEA is released and the pupils begin working on this, which leads across into Year 11, where it will remain the focus until Exam season.
Year 11 Curriculum
Term 1
The focus at the start of Year 11 is the continuation of the NEA which they start at the end of Year 10. Pupils learn how to use the Iterative design process to research, design, make and evaluate a product.
Term 2
Finalising NEA ready for submission.
Term 3
Preparation for final core theory examination.
Future Careers
Product Designer: Create and develop new products, considering aesthetics, functionality, and marketability.
Curricular enhancement opportunities (e.g. Fieldwork, trips, competitions etc)
Taking part in STEM activities and DT lunchtime club