Design and Technology

Design & Technology

Curriculum at a Glance: 2023-24

Overview:

The MHS Design and Technology curriculum engages pupils in various challenging Design and Technology-based activities that develop the skills and knowledge of students, using a 'multi-material' approach. We have planned a curriculum available to all our students, which is dynamic and underpinned by a teaching and learning approach designed around each students’ needs. We ensure that our students have a desire for learning with raised aspirations that will provide the inspiration and drive to succeed.

This adaptable approach to teaching and learning builds the confidence of students to approach design with an open mind allowing students to gain a high level of successes in their future options.

We are committed to an inclusive, outward-facing approach and a culture that ensures our students' engagement and provides interest and involvement in Design and Technology. This adaptable approach to teaching and learning builds up confidence in the students to approach design with an open mind. We can depend on resources such as CAD CAM and a wealth of other technology to increase and deepen the knowledge of students’ understanding in an ever developing world.

Key stage 3

We feel deeply about pupils learning through doing, and making mistakes as a designer is a key to seeing progression in your work. Students are given the opportunity to test and develop their technical skills and deepen their designer minds. Students from Key stage 3 into Key stage 4 have an array of technical skills and an understanding of how to realise their visions and ideas. We encourage students to explore techniques and practices and build up their skill and knowledge in all areas of D&T.

Year 7

All groups will be based in tutor teams for Design Technology; they will have an introduction into the workshop environment, Health and Safety. Each student will be awarded a Health and Safety Certificate. Each Project across the school year builds on knowledge and embeds learning that has taken place.

Year 8

All groups will be comprised of students from with their own tutor group. Projects are now the focus of material areas, students will complete a diary of making, recalling technical language and processes, which they have undertaken in the workshop. A greater level of ownership is bestowed onto the students for them to complete projects with more independence.

Year 9

Year 9 Design and Technology lessons will consist of tutor groups for the whole until the final weeks of the school year, where students will enter into an adaptative structure to be exposed to Key Stage 4 learning. The scope of work at this point is now focusing skills and knowledge set towards further progression within education. The curriculum has been adapted to further support students with transition that they face, with the introduction of CAD.

Learning of life

A much more personalised curriculum has been adapted to bridge the gaps some students may have missed during primary learning, the dominate approach taken here is a ‘learn through play’ philosophy, whilst incorporating fundamental life skills.

Key stage 4

In KS4 students build on the KS3 Design and Technology strategy and concept, growing their understanding and knowledge of materials and processes to create a functioning product and a working engineering drawing. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students achieve a BTEC level 1 in Engineering.
During the process of the qualification students will study a vast number of modern engineering skills that have been selected to ensure a seamless transition into further education.

Content of the Qualification

Two core units:

A1 Being organised
A2 Developing a Progression plan

Three sector units:

Unit 9 Servicing a mechanical product
Unit 5 Manufacturing a product using hand tools
Unit 11 CAD

A practical assessment with take place in the Sector units of work, this takes place during guided learning times in lessons.

Curriculum Map: KS3 Stretch and Challenge Pathway A/B

‘Designing the future’

Students will be assessed on design and making skills through a combination of formal assessment and knowledge-based questions.
*Each year group is on a half termly rotation with Food Technology
** A practical seasonal project is implemented to build on Skills and Knowledge
*** Skills and knowledge is evidenced in students’ work booklets with photographic evidence