Design and Technology

"Life is not a technological ladder, it is more of a cultural wheel." ― Alan Fletcher, The Art of Looking Sideways

SofiaCurrently studying my first year of Architecture and I believe I would not be in this position without studying Product Design A Level. It has provided me with the necessary skills such as learning how to use computer software’s (including Photoshop and CAD), expand on my artistic abilities as well as develop my research skills.

I have always had a passion for drawing and design, and picking Product Design as one of my A Levels has enabled me to expand on my skills which currently benefit my degree. Product design is a subject which combines technology and art, and enables you transform 2D ideas into 3D forms.

I mostly enjoyed the practical aspect as it is what differs this subject from other A Levels. This includes using machines such as the laser cutter, vacuum forming and in the final year, you are able to create your own design brief and specification for your own project! The department is also filled with amazing staff who help you every step of the way, regarding coursework, practical work and theory exams. Overall, if you enjoy designing and having fun, Product Design A Level is definitely for you! - Sofia Zeki Alumni 2021

At St George’s we are committed to offering creative design opportunities to our students across the two subject areas:  of Design and Technology and Food Preparation and Nutrition.  Our Intent is to deliver a creative curriculum that allows students to be fully conscious and aware of the technological world that is ever evolving around them.  The Implementation of the curriculum is to offered the chance to research, analyse and then solve real problems in an innovative and inspiring atmosphere where success is possible for all.  Our theory and project based curriculum offers the wide range of technical skills. In terms of resources we have a 3D printer, two laser cutter, two workshops, CAD/CAM room, brazing center and vinyl cutter.

Design and Technology at St George’s is a highly successful department in all key stage areas.  We promote students to be creative and imaginative in their work and to turn ideas into reality by working to a brief and specification.  The impact our curriculum has is focus on teaching of Tom Bentley ‘Learning beyond the classroom’ via annual trips to UAL University of Arts London, Design Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Construction Youth Trust, Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, Formula 1 in schools, The James Dyson Foundation and Tatty Devine. Furthermore, within the school community we reward four students- two students from each key stage, with a personalised DT star trophy. This reward represents their outstanding class work, homework or practical outcome.

Our 4 Core Principles are:  

  1. Design, Make, Evaluate 
  2. 2D into Reality (3D)
  3. Iteration is Essential 
  4. Design then Make, Make then Design, Making and Designing 

Staff

  • Ms M Vadgama - Head of Department
  • Ms S Sharpe
  • Ms H Horwood
  • Ms K Khatlan
  • Mr P Ainsworth (Technician)

Want to find out more? 
If you wish to find out more about Design & Technology at St George’s please feel free to contact Ms M Vadgama at M.Vadgama@stgeorgesrc.org

The following specifications/projects are taught in the Design & Technology department: 

KS3 Year 7

Autumn Term: Technical Drawing- An adventure with a pencil and ruler.
Spring Term: Face Mask - An adventure with textiles.

Summer Term: Maze Game - An adventure with wood types.

Carousel Project: Food and Nutrition - Cookies for Christmas or summer fayre

KS3 Year 8

 

Autumn Term: Art Movement designer clock - An adventure through time. 

Spring Term: Pewter Project -  An adventure with metal.

Summer Term: Key Tags - An adventure with CAD and acrylics.

Carousel Project: Food and Nutrition - Cupcakes for Christmas or summer fayre 

KS3 Year 9

 

Autumn Term: Pop Art Embroidered Cushion - An adventure with Textiles and Pop Art.

Spring Term: Electric Wire Game - An adventure with science.

Summer Term: School Life via comic strip – An adventure as a graphic designer.

Carousel Project: Food and Nutrition - Cookies and Cupcakes for Christmas or summer fayre

KS4 Year

10 & 11

AQA GCSE Design & Technology 

 

KS5 Year

12 & 13

AQA A Level Product Design

At KS3 our aims are to introduce the subject with a passion and overall focus on giving all students the opportunities to turn their creative ideas into reality.

  • to strive for successful outcomes
  • to be a problem solver
  • to develop creative thinking skills
  • work independently and develop self esteem
  • to develop attitudes of curiosity, enquiry, initiative, ingenuity, resource fullness.
  • to experience a range of different materials

 

We have high expectations of all our students and lead by example. We deliver Design and Technology with a consistent and coordinated approach. Design Technology is taught in 3 workshops and Food and Nutrition is taught in a specialist food technology room.

Key Skills Required

Students will learn through the three main principles of the design making process - Design, Make, and Evaluate. Students will follow the design process to research, design, and manufacture and evaluate a marketable outcome.

Number of lessons per week: 1

Topics Covered in KS3 (Y7, Y8, Y9)

Year 7

Autumn Term: Technical Drawing- An adventure with a pencil and ruler.

Spring Term: Face Mask - An adventure with textiles.

Summer Term: Maze Game - An adventure with wood types.

Carousel Project: Food and Nutrition - Cookies for Christmas or summer fayre

Year 8

 

Autumn Term: Art Movement designer clock - An adventure through time. 

Spring Term: Pewter Project -  An adventure with metal.

Summer Term: Key Tags - An adventure with CAD and acrylics.

Carousel Project: Food and Nutrition - Cupcakes for Christmas or summer fayre

Year 9

 

Autumn Term: Pop Art Embroidered Cushion - An adventure with Textiles and Pop Art.

Spring Term: Electric Wire Game - An adventure with science.

Summer Term: School Life via comic strip – An adventure as a graphic designer.

Carousel Project: Food and Nutrition - Cookies and Cupcakes for Christmas or summer fayre

 

Homework

Homework will be set on a weekly basis via SMHW. The homework will often be research or design and annotates are a key requirement. All homework will be expected to be completed in the KS3 booklet provide during lesson 1. If booklet is damaged or lost, replacement will cost £1.

Assessment Details

At each of the three KS3 years each student will be given a ‘DT Passport’. The passport will track and monitor the knowledge gained and skills developed through out each termly project and overall year.  Furthermore, staff follow the whole school policy of marking and assessing regularly, through questioning, homework task and green pen tasks. Diagnostic monitoring will take place twice per half term.

Websites to access:

Teachers

Ms M Vadgama - Head of Department
Miss C Robinson
Ms K Khatlan

Mr P Ainsworth - Technician

Key Tips for Success

  • Students should spend at least 30 minutes on their homework.
  • Always bring to lesson a pencil, rubber, shaper, ruler, pen and colour pencils.
  • Make sure that all work is presented neatly and always written in full and detailed sentences.
  • Keep booklet clean and safe by purchasing a clear folder from the department for 20p. 

How can a parent help their child succeed? 

  • Supervise your child’s homework.
  • Understanding what the homework success criteria is used for.
  • Be willing to answer questions to help your child.
  • Prompt your child to use keywords at all times when annotating.
  • Please encourage your child to discuss their projects with you and explore new technologies, materials and products with them.

 At Key Stage 4, student study the new AQA GCSE Design and Technology specification.

The new qualification is modern and relevant, so students can learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.

The new GCSE places greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

Number of lessons per week: 2 

Year 10

 

Theory - Unit 1 Core Technical Principles and Unit 2 Specialist Technical principles (first half). One lesson a week, an hour topic test every fortnight.

Practical - Core Skills NEA Non-Exam Assessment (mock) POS Point of Sale Display project. One lesson a week.

School exam at the end of the year (one paper).

Year 11

 

Theory - Unit 2 Specialist technical principles (second half) and Unit 3 Designing and making principles. One lesson a week, an hour topic test every fortnight.

Practical - NEA Non-Exam Assessment (context challenge set by AQA). One lesson a week.  

National GCSE exam at the end of the year (one paper).

 

Websites to access:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zby2bdm

www.senecalearning.com/en-GB/

www.technologystudent.com

www.designmuseum.co.uk

www.dtonline.org

Teachers

Ms M Vadgama - Head of Department 

Miss C Robinson

Mr P Ainsworth – Technician

Exam board EDUQAS/WJEC

 

Course Description

The Hospitality and Catering Level 2 Technical Award is a well-regarded equivalent to a GCSE within the curriculum, certified by Ofqual and DfE. This vocational qualification is designed for creative pupils who enjoy cooking and presenting different dishes.

It will provide pupils with experience of using multiple different cooking techniques, enabling students to demonstrate their creativity within a practical setting by designing, preparing, cooking, presenting and evaluating professionally prepared dishes. Additionally, students will learn a basic understanding of the skills required for a career in the hospitality and catering industry, including nutrition, dietary needs, and food safety.

Students are required to buy their own ingredients on a weekly bases.

Pupils will gain knowledge and understanding of:

- Nutrients and nutritional needs of specific groups

- Cooking methods and nutritional impact

- Menu planning

- Environmental issues

- Planning production

- Suitability of dishes to different consumer groups

- Use of different techniques to prepare commodities

- Food safety practices

- Presentation techniques

- Quality assurance

- Industry structure

- Job requirements

- Customer requirements

Assessment Format

The course comprises of the following units:

Unit 1: The hospitality and catering industry written exam (40% of total marks)

Unit 2: Hospitality and catering NEA (non exam assessment) (60% of total marks)

 

The NEA requires students to analyse the assignment brief and to plan, prepare, cook, present and evaluate two professional dishes in order to meet the nutritional needs of the customer, and a portfolio of supporting evidence. The written exam tests student's theory knowledge and understanding of the different aspects of hospitality and catering.

 

Possible Careers and Further Education

The course provides students with a depth of core knowledge and a range of specialist skills, intended to support their progression and further learning. Potential careers within the hospitality and catering industry include: product developer, chef, food photographer, food journalist, hotelier, restaurant management, sales or food science.

At Key Stage 5, students study the new AQA A-level Design and Technology: Product Design Specification.

We teach the enhanced new course that is modern and relevant, so students can learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.

The new qualifications place greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

We encourage our students to apply for design related degree courses at university. We will support you through out the UCAS application process (personal statement), portfolio creation and interview skills.

Number of lessons per week: 5

Year 12

 

Mock NEA - None exam assessment. Context challenge project set by MV.

Technical principles: Theory lessons with weekly topic test

School set exam at the end of the year (one paper).

Year 13

 

NEA - None exam assessment. Context challenge project set by students.

Designing and making principles: Theory lessons with weekly topic test

National A-Level exam at the end of the year (two papers).

 

Websites to access:

www.designweek.co.uk

Design news, views and inspiration.

www.fubiz.net

The latest creative news from Fubiz about art, design and pop-culture.

www.creativereview.co.uk

Creative Review is divided up into four useful sections: Creative Insight, Creative Leadership, Creative Inspiration and Creative Process.

www.design-milk.com

Design Milk covers architecture, home, art, style and technology, and offers some seriously stellar eye candy with their profiles of amazing designs.

www.designtaxi.com/

We talk about Design, Art, Photography, Advertising, Architecture, Style, Culture, Technology, and Social Media.

www.creativebloq.com

Daily inspiration for creative people. Fresh thinking, expert tips and tutorials to supercharge your creative muscles.

Teacher

Ms M Vadgama – Head of Department

Mr P Ainsworth - Technician

Our DT department can catapult you into a career within the world of design and technology – and beyond. Our alumni have gone on to have successful careers in:  

  • Graphic design 
  • Environmental design
  • Interior design 
  • Architecture 
  • Fashion design
  • User experience design 
  • Design engineering 
  • Product design 
  • Illustration 
  • Industrial design 
  • Civil Engineering 

 

Our students have gone on to attend outstanding universities across the UK including:  

  • UAL – University of the Art London 
  • Central St Martins 
  • Camberwell College of Arts 
  • London college of Fashion 
  • London college of Communication  
  • UCLA University of the Creative Arts 
  • Nottingham Trent University 
  • Loughborough University 
  • De Montfort University 
  • Ravensbourne University 
  • Coventry University 

We will support with your UCAS application, portfolios and interviews preparation. We will also advise you about the Foundation Art and Design application process.