Design Technology

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Statement of Intent

The LDA Design & Technology Curriculum intends to develop the power of creativity through the process of investigation, analysis, designing, making and evaluation.

Curriculum Aims

The Design & Technology curriculum at Lord Derby Academy builds on the National Curriculum. At LDA, the D&T curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all pupils at Key Stage 3 the opportunity to experience working in a practical environment where they will develop both academic and practical transferrable skills. D&T enables pupils to experience; how to manage and control risks, how to work safely with a range of equipment, tools and materials, how to problem solve and consider real world issues, and how to articulate and use a range of communication techniques to present their solutions.

The knowledge of other subjects such as maths, science, ICT and art are drawn upon and applied to the design contexts. The curriculum is designed to teach acceptance and engagement with the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Curriculum Pathway

Click here to view the Design Technology Curriculum Pathway

Curriculum Model 2022 – 2023

KS3 pupils will experience one lesson of Design & Technology per week. Pupils will also be exposed to a range of real-life scenarios and develop transferrable employability skills such as; self-management, planning and organising, problem solving, critical thinking, communication, and independent enquiry. During the options process in Year 9, we strive to encourage pupils to consider the diverse range of careers in the field of Design & Technology and Engineering.

Overview

Year 7

Rationale: At the start of year 7 pupils focus on the transition into secondary school through the development of their basic design skills. Pupils learn how to improve their sketches using 3D techniques such as; wire frame, book and 1 & 2 point perspective. Pupils then explore colour theory and discover how colour can help to enhance designs. Pupils move on to the Desk Tidy, here, pupils follow the design process and apply their new knowledge and skill of design techniques to design their own Desk Tidy product. Pupils develop analysis skills and are introduced to core knowledge on timbers. Pupils are encouraged to identify strengths and weaknesses of exiting products and their own design ideas. Pupils enhance their cultural capital during practical lessons where they are introduced to workshop safety and quality control. Pupils are taught how to use tools, equipment and machinery safely, skillfully and independently. Later, pupils start to understand the importance of sequencing and planning during manufacture.

Year 8

Rationale: At the start of year 8 pupils gain cultural capital by working collaboratively in the egg drop project which allow pupils to develop creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, communication and enterprise skills. Pupils develop an understanding the forces that act upon structures and how to best overcome them. Pupils then move forward to the Sweet Machine Project. Here, pupils understand mechanical devices, including motion, levers and linkages. Pupils build on their knowledge of the design process and are introduced to isometric projection. Pupils begin to understand the impact of materials on the environment and boost their practical skills by working with new materials, tools and equipment. Later, pupils enhance their cultural capital in the earphone wrap project which gives the opportunity to understand the advantages and disadvantages of CAD/CAM. Pupils are taught innovative design techniques to avoid design fixation and reflect upon the importance of modelling and testing their design ideas before manufacture. Pupils are taught core knowledge of polymers, including thermoforming and thermosetting polymers.

Year 9

Rationale: At the start of year 9 pupils build on their knowledge of the design process during a Bottle Opener Project. Pupils research the advantages of production aids and see how human factors, including anthropometrics and ergonomics influence the design of products. Pupils reinforce and build upon the skill of isometric projection from year 8 and are introduced to orthographic projection. Pupils apply their learning and quality control during practical lessons. The Picture Frame Project allows pupils to take inspiration from the work of others to inform their own design decisions. Pupils are introduced to specialist practical processes such vacuum forming and injection moulding. Cardboard Furniture is the final project of year 9 allowing pupils to follow an iterative process and prototype modelling. Pupils are also introduced to core knowledge of papers and boards and renewable and non-renewable resources.

KS3 Modular Overview

Click here to view the detailed overview of the Design Technology curriculum content taught throughout KS3. Each modular overview provides information on the knowledge and skills taught at each stage within the intended curriculum.

Faculty

Mrs L. Ferns: Head of Technology
Mrs H. Hampson: Teacher of Technology/Assistant Headteacher
Mr D. Blake: Deputy Leader of Technology
Miss L. Brown: Teacher of Technology
Mr J. Smith: Teacher of Technology
Mrs B. Blackmore: Teacher of Hair and Beauty
Mr E Fearon: DT Technician