Design and Technology

At Key Stage 3 experienced multi-skilled teachers provide a learning environment that enables students to experience all material areas of the subject in each of their Key Stage 3 years. Assessment, recording, monitoring and reporting ensures consistency and accuracy within the department.

The Design and Technology department delivers a wide variety of courses (both GCSE and vocational) to pupils at Key Stage 4, some like Engineering and construction being taught in partnership with Newcastle College.

The department demands high standards at both Key Stages 3 and 4, and these are reflected in results. Exceptional results have been achieved in the double award GCSE Engineering, 63% A* to G 2006, which is double the national average. In 2007 80% Graphic students and 100% Product Design Students achieved their target grade or above.

The department has been selected for and awarded a substantial grant from the DFES for 2 years to run a Key Stage 3 Science and Engineeering Club. This was launched in October 2007 and pupils are currently working toweards entering the First Lego League competition - programming robots to complete challanges and researching sustainable energy sources. Other planned projects include designing, building and racing electric powered go-karts and forensic testing.

The department enjoys involvement in cross-curricular projects, currently supporting Enterprise activities and working with the Creative Arts department and Newcastle College on a 'Trashion Show' making clothes from recycled materials.

In 2006 technology was improved within the department, with the introduction of sixteen state of the art PCs complemented by projectors and laptops for use in classrooms. December 2006 saw further investment in technology with the installation of a leading edge computer controlled Merlin LaserPro cutter that allows pupils to engrave and cut a wide range of materials with precision control.

Topics Taught in Key Stage 3

Year 7 (3 Periods per Week)

* Introduction to Technology & the design process, and baseline test
* Healthy eating – food hygiene, balanced diet, making and evaluating (Food)
* Automata: CAM Toy – safety in the workshop, types of movement (Product Design)
* Design a Chocolate Box – formal drawing, typography, product analysis (Graphics)
* Juggling bags – safety and risk assessment. Hand and machine sewing (Textiles)

Year 8 (3 Periods per Week)

* Healthy eating - Nutrition for others, making and evaluating (Food)
* Promotional pen: Computer Aided Design, working with plastics, generating ideas & developing criteria (Product Design)
* Battery Tester - Smart Materials, developing circuits, shape development (Graphics)
* Decorative cushion - ideas from art movement, planning, organising, making and inserting a zip (Textiles)

Year 9 (3 Periods per Week)

* Food for thought – planning, manufacturing and evaluating foods from around the world (Food)
* Stamps project – artwork manipulation techniques, use of market research, product analysis and formal drawing skills (Graphics)
* Containers – developing patterns / templates, CAM embroidery (Textiles)