Introduction and Ethos of Department
Students in Technology and Design are given opportunities through individual project work to develop creative thinking and problem solving skills.
AIMS
- Students will develop through designing activities where they will learn to identify, investigate, generate, model and evaluate design problems and proposals considering form, function and health and safety.
- Students will be encouraged to develop their Communication Skills through the use of free-hand sketching and formal drawing techniques that will also include modelling using the most relevant Computer Aided Design CAD packages available.
- Students will Manufacture a range of products and be able to select materials that are fit for purpose. They will gain experience using a range of tools and processes that are appropriate to the materials they are using and will work towards demonstrating accuracy and a high quality of outcome during manufacturing activities.
- Students will gain experience with different Control Systems such as; mechanical, pneumatic, electronic or computer based that can be used to achieve desired outputs.
We strive for a positive, active and engaging environment in the Technology Department. We hope through the many varied activities that students have ample opportunity to develop as individuals, as contributors to society and also to gain insight into potential career pathways and to develop awareness of wider environmental considerations when designing.
Staff & Positions
Subject Leader
Mr J Farmer
Subject Teachers
Mr N Meharg
Technician
Mr G Armstrong
Key Stage 3
Overview
Students primarily learn through project activities to help develop their knowledge, understanding and skills through Design, Communication, Manufacturing and Control activities. Students are encouraged to be creative and innovative in their design thinking.
Assessment throughout the Year
This department adheres to and supports the policy for assessment and monitoring. At KS3 assessment is ongoing and will consist of different forms of formative and summative assessment. Design Skills and Practical Skills are assessed through project work and class activities whilst knowledge and understanding is continually assessed through class tests and a final examination at the end of the school year. Pupils will always be given clear success and marking criteria by which they will be assessed.
At KS4 all students have two distinct pathways. GCSE and/or Occupational Studies. GCSE is formally assessed at the end of each academic year. Occupational Studies is continually assessed throughout each year, this is designed to best prepare students for vocational areas of work. Student progress is tracked through end of module tests and continuous assessment based on class and homework activities.
The end of year report will take into account the continuous assessments that students have undertaken throughout the year.
Homework Policy
Homework activities will be set on a regular fortnightly basis at KS3. Homeworks could consist of a research activity, a communication task, a learning/revision homework in preparation for a class test or completion of a class activity as instructed by the teacher. Students are encouraged to complete homework with minimal assistance where possible, and to the best of their abilities.
In senior school homeworks will be more frequent and will be used to help gauge student progress in units of work.
Key Stage 4
We endeavour to offer specifications that best suit the needs of our students. Presently the Technology and Design department deliver specifications that are externally moderated by CCEA. These are as follows:
GCSE Technology
Year 11 students studying Technology and Design work towards the assessment of Common Core Theory content that is assessed at the end of the academic year. The individual modules consist of:
- Electronic
- Mechanical
- Pneumatic
- Computer Control
- Manufacturing
- Design units
Continuous progress is assessed through homework activities, class activities and end of module assessments. This allows us to track students’ progress and help reach realistic targets for students to achieve.
The end of year examination contributes 25% of the overall GCSE grade. This will carry over into the students final award in year 12 when they complete their remaining modules for assessment.
In Year 12 Students will start their design project which is based on a theme that is set by CCEA. Students produce a portfolio consisting of 10 A3 pages and produce a model and working prototype that is internally assessed and externally moderated. Coursework contributes 50% of the overall GCSE awarded grade. Students also prepare for their final examination specialism in the area of Product Design. This also contributes 25% of their final GCSE award.
Progress is continually assessed throughout the year via a combination of coursework and examination performance. This is used to inform student targets and predicted grades.
Occupational Studies
(Bench Joinery and Hand fitting) / (Electronic Circuit Construction and Computer Aided Design)
Occupational Studies has no examination and is continually assessed throughout the academic year. Students produce a portfolio of evidence that could include;
- Learning Diary
- Research Activities
- Photographs
- Practical examples of completed tasks.
Assessment is continuous and this informs tracking and predicted outcomes for the student’s final grade. Students will focus on one unit per year and complete two separate units over the two years of KS4. At the end of each academic year students work is internally assessed and then externally moderated at the end of year 12. Students will sit no external examinations whilst studying Occupational Studies specifications and will only be assessed on the work they produce over the duration of the course. For this reason, excellent attendance and an excellent work ethic are key for students to succeed.
Students completing the course will gain a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification that has GCSE equivalence.
