Technology Curriculum

 

“As engineers, we are going to be in a position to change the world – not just study it.” Henry Petroski

 

Rationale:

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Students learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

The curriculum also forms cross curricular links with other subjects such as the arts, science and maths and by recognising that Design Technology is the bridge to many other subjects helps to develop a more creative and innovative approach to designing.  Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise.

Intent:

At Sacred Heart, we inspire our Design and Technology pupils to combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems which meet human needs. Our pupils learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments, they learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team. 

We want pupils to learn new skills, build confidence, and respect each other, themselves and their surroundings. We encourage pupils to work in stimulating contexts which provide a range of opportunities and draw on the local community and wider world. 

There are three distinct curriculum areas within Design and Technology; Resistant Materials, Food Technology and Textiles and throughout their time at Sacred Heart, pupils will learn about all three subjects every year, building on skills learned in Year 7 that progress to advanced skill practice at Key Stage 4.

Implementation:

Pupils have the opportunity to combine practical and intellectual skills with an understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, health, social, emotional, economic, industrial and environmental issues. As they do so, they evaluate present and past Design and Technology and its uses and effects. By using a variety of approaches, such as, biomimicry and user-centred design students will generate creative ideas, avoiding stereotypical responses and design fixation. The Technology curriculum is focussed on embedding challenge, metacognition, memory techniques and literacy skills. We build the Cultural Capital of our students by ensuring they have an understanding of Britain’s contemporary design practice and design heritage, as well as a knowledge of international design practice.

Impact:

Pupils will combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems which meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They will learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team. Pupils will learn new skills, build confidence, and respect each other, themselves and their surroundings. We believe that for students to reach their full potential they must take responsibility for themselves; be organised and focussed. Pupils are encouraged  to work in stimulating contexts which provide a range of opportunities and draw on the local ethos, community and wider world, pupils identify need and opportunities. They will respond with ideas, products and systems, challenging expectations where appropriate. Students will develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based tools. Skills gained in Design Technology are transferable across all other subjects.

Overview of content:

Year 7

In Year 7, our projects  include: creating Night Lights, Novelty Door Stops, Decorative Book Cover, Mobile Accessories, Bread and Pizza, the curriculum involves learning about food sources and origins, how to work with timber, metals and plastics in Resistant Materials and fabric sources and origins in Textiles.

Year 8

In Y8 pupils build on key and essential skills learnt in Year 7 to become more discerning designers and create projects such as Mechanical Toys, Cast Jewelry, Fabric Clocks, Curry and Parmos. Examples of areas of learning include; diet and nutrition, learning about casting and moulding and how circuits are designed and the properties of textiles and famous designers and their influences on fashion.

Year 9

In Y9 pupils learn that how and what they design can have an effect on others. Some topics include; cultural needs and differences in diets across the world, designing through modelling and applying computing and control in electronics and Textiles and the environment. Typical projects include; Structures, Rapid Prototyping including 3D printing, Upcycling and E-textiles.

Year 10 and 11

In Design and Technology in all disciplines including Engineering, Hospitality and Catering and Construction, pupils will complete a range of projects that will help to build the skills needed by the pupils to design and make their final project.

Year 10 and 11 Engineering

Educas Award in Engineering will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the engineering sector and provide them with opportunities to develop associated practical skills. It covers manufacturing engineering products, designing engineering products and solving engineering problems which focuses on how modern engineering has had an impact on modern day life at home, work and in society in general.

Year 10 and 11 Hospitality and Catering

Educas Award in Hospitality and Catering will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the hospitality sector and provide them with opportunities to develop associated practical skills. It covers practical cooking skills, nutrition, government guidelines for healthy eating and how the catering sector adapt to the needs of customers.

Year 10 and 11 Construction

Educas Award in Construction will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the construction sector and provide them with opportunities to develop associated practical skills. It covers building, plastering, plumbing and electrician skills as well as design elements so that students develop the skills they need in the construction sector.

Y10 will be following – Educas – Technical Award in Engineering (new for 2022)

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/level-1-2-vocational-award-in-engineering/#tab_keydocuments

Y11 will be following – BTEC Level 2 Technical Award in Engineering from Pearson

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/engineering.html