Technology
Intent Statement
Provision for all students
The Design and Technology curriculum is an inspiring, rigorous and practical offer, covering two main areas: Product Design and Food Technology.
The Design and Technology curriculum allows pupils to acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and skills. All pupils develop the creative, and technical skills to be able to participate in an increasingly technological world.
Current accreditations on offer within Food discipline are AQA unit awards, ASDAN, NCFE and BTEC. Within Product Design the following accreditations are offered: ASDAN and NCFE.
Within Product Design and Food Technology the curriculum gives the essential and fundamental skills of the workshop and kitchen to enable pupils to make good progress and support the transition to key stage 4 learning and beyond.
Planning and sequencing towards cumulative knowledge and skills
The Design and Technology curriculum provides pupils with skills and knowledge for the future. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to engage in the design, making and evaluating process and within this identify market needs, successfully generate research and develop and execute creative ideas.
Students are able to make products, having been trained to safely use and operate specialist tools, using specific techniques and methods. Students then will be able to analyse their work and investigate new and emerging technologies.
Within Food Technology students will understand the principles of nutrition and health and be able to cook predominately savoury dishes. Students will learn to source ingredients and be able to sensory test and evaluate their work.
Acquisition and independent application of knowledge, skills and abilities
The curriculum ensures that all projects, product outcomes, recipes and methods have been differentiated to ensure pupil independence is promoted. All work is achievable for the students and steps have been taken to focus on building fine motor skills and to ensure pupils feel safe, competent and confident with the equipment.
At key stage 4, students are given the opportunity to specialise in their preferred area. Students are given the confidence to respond to design risks and manufacturing issues to produce creativity and marketable products.
Accreditation pathways and preparation for Education, Employment, Training and adult life
The Design and Technology curriculum is aimed at supporting employability. The identified accreditation units and challenges have been set to a high standard and are assessed internally and externally each term.
Within Product Design a variety of disciplines are covered and linked into cross curricular literacy and numeracy skills.
Where possible GCSE equivalent accreditations are mapped to meet students’ needs. These subjects are delivered and created by a specialist teacher.
To support post 16 destinations, the department is growing strong links with local colleges and the industry including Designers and Engineers. Students are encouraged to take part in local initiatives such a volunteering experiencing and workshops.
