Design & Technology

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

Currently 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:

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

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

KS3 Design Technology and Food & Nutrition

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.

KS4 GCSE Design and Technology

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

KS5 A Level Product Design

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

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