The Piggott > Departments > Design and Technology
 

THE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT MISSION


Our aim is to provide students with opportunities to investigate and examine a range of designs and products through images and direct experience. As they progress through the curriculum we aim to develop their awareness of the role and function of Design Technology within society and the process involved in developing a product from the initial problem to its final solution, with a focus on how they learn as well as what they learn and allowing them to build upon:

  • solving ‘real’ problems
  • delivering what the customer wants
  • appreciating that ‘quality’ in everything is vital
  • decision making
  • getting the job done on-time
  • communication skills
  • use of Information Technology
  • how to work with others

Students are shown how to use a range of tools and equipment safely across a range of projects that are designed to enhance and build upon the skills they learn. They are encouraged to work in a methodical and organised way, assessing their work as it progresses. Projects are designed to provide experience of processes and skills from graphics and layout; to cutting and assembling wood to build freestanding structures; the selection and preparation of ingredients in food technology and the use of components in simple electronic circuits.

Key Stages

Key Stage 3 (KS3)

This programme of study encourages students to:

  • Collect and use various sources of information to develop ideas
  • Communicate alternative ideas using words, labelled sketches and models
  • Develop a range of design proposals
  • Work with a variety of materials and ingredients with some accuracy, paying attention to quality of finish
  • Select and work with a range of tools and equipment
  • Reflect on designs and modify them as they develop
  • Produce step-by-step plans for the production of solutions
  • Evaluate and test products by identifying what is working well, what is not and providing possible improvements for future development.

DT - Year 7

DT – Year 8

DT – Year 9

Food - Year 7

Food - Year 8

Food and Catering - Year 9

Key Stage 4 (KS4)

Building on the skills already developed, students are able to focus their interest of Design Technology to specific areas of interest as a GCSE course. The department has a number of these on offer, all of which are designed to encourage imaginative thought and promote an open and enquiring mind that can be transferred to everyday situations.
There are six courses to choose from:

  • Graphic Products
  • Resistant Materials
  • Food Technology
  • Textiles Technology
  • Electronic Products
  • Catering*

What you will study:

Students are provided with opportunities for the design, manufacture and evaluation of products. Specifications focus on industrial practices (specification specific), ICT and CAD/CAM.

Assessment

Graphic Products, Resistant Materials, Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Electronic Products

Controlled Assessment = 60% (a design-and-make project)
Examination = 40% Single Theory Paper

Catering*
Coursework = 60% (Practical exam = 40% + Work Experience = 20%)
Examination = 40% Single Theory Paper

Electronics GCSE

Graphic Products GCSE

Resistant Materials GCSE

Textiles GCSE

Food GCSE

Catering GCSE

Key Stage 5 (KS5)

There are two A Level courses available at this level; Food Technology and Graphic Products (Product Design) they are intended as a continuation for students who have previously sat GCSE but will also accommodate students coming new to the subject.

  • Food Technology – the study of Nutrition and Food Science will form the backbone of the course. Practical work is also crucial to the understanding and development of knowledge, and will form the main part of the coursework. An understanding for the wide range of materials and components used in the making of food products will also be developed.
  • Graphic Products – as a broad based graphics course, study will develop skills necessary to design and make products with an appreciation of the relationship between design, where it is intended to reflect the wide range of activities for professional designers, materials, manufacture and marketing. There are two pathways:


Conceptual Design

Packaging design

Product/Industrial design

Point of Sale display

Vehicle design

Exhibition design

The Built Environment

Architecture

Interior design

Garden design

Theatre sets

Assessment

Food Technology - AS

Coursework = 50% (portfolio of recipe design and development)
Examination = 50% (Written exam)

Food Technology - A2
Coursework = 25% of total A2(portfolio of recipe design and development)
Examination = 25% of total A2 (Written exam)

Graphic Products - AS
Coursework = 60% (project portfolio)
Examination = 40% (Written exam)

Graphic Products - A2
Coursework = 30% of total AS (design portfolio)
Examination = 20% of total A2 (Written exam)

AS/A2 Graphic Products

AS Food Technology - Year 12

A2 Food Technology - Year 13