Design & Technology
INTENT:
The GCSE content is dictated by the Exam Board. Lesson content is mapped against criteria published within the subject specification. The NEA requires that specific things such as research tasks and skills are demonstrated.
At KS3 lessons and SOW are structured to help provide a good foundation for study at GCSE if students wish to continue their studies. The actual theory content at GCSE is now so large that DT Teachers have been advised to make sure much of it is at least touched upon in younger years.
The DT curriculum at KS3 also includes tasks that are aimed at developing student's abilities to problem-solve, as this helps equip them to achieve well in all aspects Secondary education.
IMPLEMENTATION:
At KS3 students develop their confidence and technical skill through short design & make tasks. Students are generally encouraged to develop out from a given idea. Analysis tasks enable students to understand the importance and applications for different materials.
At KS4 students develop their understanding of technical principles of design and of developments within technology. Students complete practical tasks to consolidate that understanding. NEA tasks are chosen by each student. Students are encouraged to grow in independence while conducting focused research and adopting an iterative approach to designing their own product. Students complete homework activities and use practice papers to help them prepare for the written exam.