Resistant Materials & GCSE Design & Technology
Design and Technology is a problem-solving subject, developing analytical minds. It often involves identifying a problem, or need, and then working through a series of design iterations to arrive at the best solution. Sometimes this involves innovative ideas whilst other times developing/improving an existing solution.
In order to be effective designers of the future, students will develop creative skills, communication skills and practice evaluating their own and others designs and products. These skills are developed along side gaining knowledge of the design world; materials, origins and the impact their decisions have on society, industry and the environment.
KS3 Curriculum
Year 7s begin with workshop safety to enable them to start practical lessons as soon as possible. They model shape ideas in card before getting to use a range of tools and machines to produce a pine desk tidy using simple butt joints.
Year 8s combine graphic skills with resistant materials as they design and manufacture a mitre jointed 3D picture frame. Use of jigs and high levels of accuracy for the frame are combined with creative skills during this module. The 3D interior scene is designed with influence from one of 5 cultural themes. The study of plastics is also introduced.
Year 9s engage in a very open design brief which enables them to trial an ‘iterative’ approach to designing and manufacturing. Students will build up their Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience and many will use Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to produce their products. What do they make? – They decide what product they will design and make using a 3mm sheet of acrylic. The iterative process requires them to be really organised and independently develop their ideas through sketches and models; continually analysing, evaluating and improving as they develop their design through to the final product.
KS4 Curriculum
GCSE Design & Technology – with a Graphic Design specialism. This OCR Syllabus is constructed to develop design and thinking skills.
Students will use iterative design practices and strategies used by the creative, marketing, engineering and manufacturing industries giving them the tools to create or analyse and select the products of the future. Students will gain a broad knowledge and understanding of a range of materials and products including papers and boards; timbers; metals; polymers; and textile fibres and fabrics. Understanding the characteristics of materials will make them more effective designers and/or better informed consumers having gained the ability to confidently critique products.
Students will develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of graphic products and related techniques and processes. Use of critical thinking will lead towards invention and design innovation, to develop, make, and market prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
Students will learn new drawing techniques and how to communicate ideas and products to potential clients. They will use graphic media to produce or alter images using graphic computer programs (CAD). Environmental issues will be considered as well as cost efficiencies in the commercial setting. There are elements of maths and science which are also covered in the course.
Homework
Homework is issued most weeks and includes research tasks as well as further design work.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The workshop is available most break and lunch times for students to make use of catch-up facilities.