KS4 Technology

There are six courses in this curriculum area - Electronic Products, Food, Product Design, Graphic Products, Resistant Materials and Textiles. Pupils must choose one of them.

Curriculum Content

Design & Technology - Electronic Products
Pupils should be able to integrate their knowledge of materials and processes in wood, metal, plastics, textiles and electronics to produce working solutions to problems of an electronic nature.
It covers designing skills, making skills, knowledge & understanding, materials & components, products & applications, quality and electronics.

Design & Technology - Food
Pupils should be able to apply knowledge and understanding of the working characteristics of food with processing techniques to design and make a food product.
It covers food product design, development & production; food as a material; and food manufacturing & processing.
The course in Year 10 is 33% practical, 66% theory. In Year 11 the coursework task, which carries 60% of the full marks, requires food ingredients every week.
It is essential that pupils cook when asked, and that they are interested in this aspect of the subject.

Design & Technology – Product Design
Product design is an exciting new course which combines prototyping, model making and visual communication, allowing pupils to work in one or a combination of materials (paper, card, wood, metal, plastic and ceramics).
The emphasis is on problem solving, invention and creativity. Pupils will produce a supporting folder which includes Sketching, Enhancement, pictorial drawing, working drawing, computer graphics, information drawing, nets and CAD/ CAM.

Design & Technology - Resistant Materials
This syllabus is concerned with the activity of designing and making which is delivered through wood, metal and plastics. Other materials and electronics may also be used in coursework.
It covers materials and components, systems & control, quality, products & applications, and health & safety.

Design & Technology - Graphic Products
The Graphic Product course is concerned with both visual communication and the production techniques to design, develop and communicate solutions to a problem.
It covers sketching, enhancement, pictorial drawing, working drawing, information drawing, lettering, nets, modelling, computer graphics, product analysis, materials, industrial applications, and systems and control.

Design & Technology - Textiles
Pupils will be given the opportunity to design and make fashionable clothing, fashion accessories or textile products to furnish particular areas (e.g. bedroom).
The specification covers textile materials, components, processes and techniques. Textile products and commercial practices will be evaluated. A variety of ICT skills will be used.
Creativity is encouraged so pupils might dye or print their own fabric or decorate it using a craft technique (e.g. computer embroidery). A commercial pattern can be adapted for their design idea.

Teaching Methods

Both pupils and teachers will be responsible for initiating the design problems which will need to be solved and realised. This will involve written, graphical and practical work. Staff will deliver the necessary knowledge through the use of textbooks, worksheets and visual material, such as video recordings, and the practical and graphical processes required will be demonstrated.

Resources

These include well-equipped workshops, food, textiles and graphics areas. There is a computer area attached to the workshops and access to the school computer network system is available. There are sets of textbooks as well as numerous reference books. These resources will be enhanced as the school has achieved specialist school status in the first instance we plan to add further computer facilities including a computer aided manufacturing area.

Skills and Knowledge

Pupils will follow a programme of study laid down by the National Curriculum. This involves the designing and making skills, and the knowledge and understanding required to design and make quality products. Pupils will also learn computer skills.

Assessment

Pupils' performance will be judged according to the National Curriculum grade descriptors. Pupils are entered for the AQA examinations and the scheme of assessment comprises:

1. Written paper 40%
2. Coursework project 60% - 40 hours

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