Curriculum Intent Statement for Design and Technology
Intent
The design and technology curriculum at GM school is designed to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process to become confident designers so that they can make exciting and unique designs and products that meet a user’s needs.
Implementation
Through our broad and balanced curriculum, the overarching themes underpin core knowledge which develop creative learners in the key areas of research, technical knowledge, testing, evaluating, designing and making. In addition, students gain an understanding of different cultures, society and industry which will prepare them for the world of work.
Key Stage 3
Design and Technology is a highly creative subject that combines knowledge with practical skills to solve design problems. During years 7, 8 and 9 students will work within specialist teaching facilities to produce a range of products. Lessons are structured to offer two lessons a week across the different Technology specialisms, which are:
- Resistant Materials
- Textiles
- Food & Nutrition
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, teaching and learning builds upon Key Stage 3; introducing greater depth, creativity and real-life scenarios to build upon knowledge and practical skills and prepare students to create innovative and inspiring products that have real world application.
At Key stage 4 we currently offer the following courses:
- AQA Design and Technology GCSE
- WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in HOSPITALITY AND CATERING
The AQA Design and Technology GCSE
The course the follows three principles:
- Core technical principles
- Specialist technical principles
- Designing and making principles
External Assessment
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of final GCSE grade
Non-exam assessment
This is a practical assessment of the three course principles
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) approximately 30–35 hours
- 100 marks
- 50% of final GCSE grade
For further information please visit the exam board website.
WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in HOSPITALITY AND CATERING
Students will gain the ability to plan, prepare and present food is an essential skill within the hospitality and catering industry. The WJEC Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering equips learners with theoretical knowledge about the industry as well as enabling them to develop practical skills in planning, preparing and cooking a variety of dishes
This qualification is graded Level 1 Pass – Level 2 Distinction and involves a 9 hour Non Exam Assessment (controlled assessment/coursework)
External Assessment (Exam)
90 minute exam, 90 Marks
- Understand the environment in which hospitality and catering providers operate
- Understand how hospitality and catering provision operates
- Understand how hospitality and catering provision meets health and safety requirements
- Know how food can cause ill health
Non Exam Assessment
Describe functions of nutrients in the human body
- Compare nutritional needs of specific groups
- Explain how menu dishes meet customer needs
- Plan production of dishes for a menu
- Use techniques in preparation of commodities
- Assure quality of commodities to be used in food preparation
- Use techniques in cooking of commodities
- Complete dishes using presentation techniques
- Use food safety practices
Homework
Students will receive homework regularly throughout KS3 and KS4. If the students do not have access to a computer at home then they are always welcome to use the DT department facilities after school on Thursdays.
Resources
There are many websites that can be used to aid learning in the different specialisms
Resistant Materials
http://www.cfsd.org.uk
http://www.openhouse.org.uk )
http://www.technologystudent.com
http://www.designmuseum.org
http://www.horniman.ac.uk
http://www.conran.com
Food
https://www.nutrition.org.uk/
http://www.foodinschools.org
http://www.hse.gov.uk/catering/
https://www.foodsafety.gov/
Textiles
http://www.vam.ac.uk
http://stitchschool.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.burdastyle.com
http://www.sewing.org
