Department: Design & Technology – Product Design

Curriculum Intention: As a result of our curriculum, Huish Academy students will be inspired to:

• Build on the skills and knowledge as they learn and master them, since the curriculum is progressive.
• Be innovative & passionate when researching, designing, making, and evaluating to critique the merits of technology and to develop skills for life;
• Be more conscious about the world in which they live, with a developed knowledge of the 6R’s of sustainability, to design sustainable and ethical products;
• Enjoy learning in a practical manner having experienced the best possible engaging and challenging lessons which foster and promote creativity in the classroom, and interests for later life;
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to go into adult life both at work and leisure with a sound understanding of practical applications to enhance their lifestyles and the joy of learning.

Curriculum Implementation: To realise our vision, our curriculum will provide students with opportunities to:

KS3

• Engage in hands-on learning in well-resourced workshops, with good access to IT;
• Experience CAD / CAM in all years;
• View high level exemplar design and making which shows them what they are truly capable of;
• Develop underlying knowledge of the theory that clearly relates to the practice taking place;
• See their teachers modelling best practice, whether designing or making;
• Work alongside teachers who actively challenge and support them to achieve their potential;
• Question the very idea of technological development using real world examples that encourage them to express their views and debate issues with passion;
• Engage in educational visits where they get to see the subject in real life, therefore leading to greater understanding and exposing them to the potential jobs, careers or further education opportunities available to them;
• Engaging in STEM activities;
• Develop lifelong practical life skills that will enable them to repair, design and make in their lives outside of Huish Academy;
• Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills that will enable them to pursue their dreams and ambitions beyond their Huish Academy journey.

KS4

In KS4, students follow the AQA Design & Technology specification. Details can be found at the following link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552/specification-at-a-glance

• In KS4, students participate in a range of learning activities, both practical and non-practical.

• In Year 10, theoretical knowledge includes the topics of core technical principals, specialist technical principals and designing and making principals.
• In Year 11, students undertake an NEA (Non-exam assessment) set by AQA which is worth 50% of the qualification, followed by a written exam (50%) taking place in the summer term.

 

Monitoring and assessing curriculum impact: The impact of our curriculum will be evidenced in:

• Our students’ enthusiasm for the subject, which is displayed both in and out of the classroom;
• Our students’ practical work and outcomes;
• Our students’ work and their progress as evidenced in their written and oral work;
• The increased number of students taking D&T in KS4 and KS5;
• The progress and attainment of students in internal assessments and external exams.

 

Above all, our students are aware that Design and Technology is integral to life in our modern world. They are keen to push the boundaries, try out new ideas, take a critical view and apply their skills in imaginative ways. They are able to see the bigger picture, viewing themselves as positive users of technology whilst also being critical of its possible impact on the world, both positive and negative.

KS3

• In KS3, students are assessed on a termly basis and areas of areas for improvement are identified.
• Practical, written and homework is marked in line with whole school policies and further areas for improvement are identified.

KS4

• In Year 10, theoretical knowledge is assessed at the end of each topic and areas of improvement are identified. In addition, students undertake a mini NEA project and a written mock exam in the Summer Term to prepare students for year 11 and highlight areas for improvement. 
• In Year 11, students are assessed through the NEA (Non-exam assessment) set by AQA which is worth 50% of the qualification, followed by a written exam (50%) taking place in the summer term.