Design & Technology
What will students study in Design and Technology this year?
Year 7
In Year 7 students either study Design and Technology or Food Preparation and Nutrition. Students will study the alternative subject in Year 8.
Students will be taught how to research and explore different needs, learning how to identify and solve problems. Students will work from design briefs and specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional and appealing products using a variety of approaches to develop creative ideas. They will learn to develop and communicate ideas through annotated sketches, prototyping and create digital presentations.
Throughout the course students will be taught how to use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, to make quality outcomes. By the end of the year, students should be able to use a wide range of complex components and materials considering their properties or functions.
In Design and Technology students are introduced to wood and man-made board in the manufacture of a BlockBot toy using hand tools and machinery to create the joints and features of the toy.
Students should be able to discuss our impact as a designers and consumer on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of the design and manufacturing technologies.
How can I best support my daughter in Design and Technology?
The best way to provide general support is by discussing their work in the subject and how things are going. If you can, access the CAD programs Techsoft 2D Design and OnShape, and encourage your daughter to work through the free trials. The Systems and Control program Circuit Wizard also have free trial software they can use. Visit exhibitions and galleries such as the Design Museum, the V&A, and Science museum for research. For any clarification of key knowledge and revision use the websites Technology Student.com and bbc.co.uk/bitesize. It would be helpful if students can get involved in any DIY projects at home.
Year 8
What will students study in Design and Technology this year?
During the 2021/22 school year, Year 8 students will study Food Preparation and Nutrition and Design and Technology on a carousel timetable to ensure that they can make an informed decision on which to base their option choices.
Students will be taught how to research and explore different needs, learning how to identify and solve problems. Students will work from design briefs and specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional and appealing products using a variety of approaches to develop creative ideas. They will learn to develop and communicate ideas through annotated sketches, prototyping and create digital presentations.
Throughout the course students will be taught how to use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, to make quality outcomes. By the end of the year, students should be able to use a wide range of complex components and materials considering their properties or functions.
In Design and Technology students are introduced to woods and man-made boards in the design and manufacture of a clock product, using hand tools, machinery and CAD to create the basis and features for the clock. Throughout the year students will also study the importance of sustainability in today’s society. In this project students will analyse the work of past and present professional designers to develop understanding and gain the ability to test, evaluate and refine their ideas, considering the views of intended users. Students should be able to discuss our impact as a designers and consumer on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of the design and manufacturing technologies.
Students will be introduced to levers, linkages and mechanisms to create moveable parts in a graphics project and could explore the use of electronics to further develop their ideas.
Years 7 & 8
What are the major assessments this year?
Each half-term students will complete a mini assessment. They will set their own targets based on peer and teacher feedback, improving on these in the next project. In the Year 8 summer exam students are assessed on all the work completed, responding to subject knowledge, design and maths-based questions.
What do assessments test?
Assessments are designed to assess knowledge and understanding of the subjects taught. Students will also be assessed on their practical skills in the workshop during their design and make tasks
What are the expectations of my daughter in Design and Technology?
We expect that your daughter follows all instructions given including health and safety rules. Your daughter must complete all her work on time and remember to bring ingredients and suitable containers to carry her food home in. If your daughter has any problems with her work she must speak to her subject teacher at least the day before her lesson.
What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in Design and Technology?
In the first instance, she should speak to her subject teacher who will help to identify specific areas for improvement in the subject with targeted support.
How can I best support my daughter in Design and Technology?
The best way to provide general support is by discussing their work in the subject and how things are going. If you can, access the CAD programs Techsoft 2D Design and OnShape, and encourage your daughter to work through the free trials. The Systems and Control program Circuit Wizard also have free trial software they can use. Visit exhibitions and galleries such as the Design Museum, the V&A, and Science museum for research. For any clarification of key knowledge and revision use the websites Technology Student.com and bbc.co.uk/bitesize. It would be helpful if students can get involved in any DIY projects at home.
Whom should I contact for further advice or information?
Please contact the Head of Design and Technology, Mrs Pearce, bpearce@carshaltongirls.org.uk with as much detailed information as possible.