Technology

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. All projects will reflect the modern fast moving world of technology. Pupils will be encouraged to use a wide range of design and making methods including Electronics, Computer Aided design, lazer cutting and 3D printing. Pupils are expected to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others

Food and Nutrition

Food Technology is a successful department which proves to be very popular with our students. Pupil uptake at KS4 is consistently higher than the national average and results commonly position the department amongst the highest performing subjects in the school.

A new and exciting curriculum in ‘Food and Nutrition’ is now being taught throughout the school. Pupils are taught the scientific principles behind food and nutrition and how to use a variety of cooking techniques. They look at the economic and sustainability issues within the subject, as well as investigating the source, seasonality and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients.

Practically, they will prepare and cook food as well as being able to make informed choices about their own healthy and varied diet. They will become competent in a range of cooking techniques (for example, selecting and preparing ingredients; using utensils and electrical equipment; applying heat in different ways; using awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients; adapting and using their own ingredients/recipes).

Staffing

Mrs Doran	Curriculum Leader for Technology
Mr O’Hare	Teacher of Technology
Mrs Reader	Assistant Headteacher
Mrs Bennison	Teacher of Technology
Mrs Edwards	Curriculum Leader for Art

All pupils study Technology until the end of Year 9 for 2 periods per week.

In years 7 to 9 this is as a rotation of subjects, these include: Food and nutrition, engineering, computer science (Year 9), and design and technology.

In Year 9 all pupils have the opportunity to opt to study OCR Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE, Engineering Technical Award and AQA Design and Technology Graphics in KS4.

The following topics are studied at KS3.

	Rotation (A)	Roatation (B)	Rotation (C)
Year 7	Let’s get cooking	Technical drawings/Logos	Skills/ Bird Box
Year 8	Healthy Me	Headphone Wraps	Mechanical Toy
Year 9	Nutritional needs	Creating a digital product	Let your light shine

 The following units are studied at KS4.

	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term
Year 10 D&T	Key Ideas in Design and Technology / An introduction to Materials and Systems	More about Materials	Textiles
Year 10 Engineering	Course Introduction / Folders and Contracts; Materials, manufacture and processes	Planning and preparing for manufacture; Practical training on lathe and making of part	Completion of folder aspect of project
Year 10 Food Preperation and Nutrition	Sensory Analysis; Nutrition; Healthy Eating; Dietary Needs	Food Science; British and International Cuisine	Sustainability of Food; Methods of heat transfer – through expanding practical skills
Year 11 D&T	Key Ideas in Design and Technology / An introduction to Materials and Systems	More about Materials / Paper and Board
Year 11 Engineering	Computer aided manufacture	Quality control
Year 11 Food Preperation and Nutrition	NEA Task 1; Nutrition revision; NEA Task 2	NEA Task 2; Revision of dietary needs; Revision of heat transference and food spoilage	Revision of functional and chemical properties of food

Extra-curricular activities and visits

Our pupils are always keen to get involved in the extra-curricular activities offered by the department. In many cases the fun and competitive tasks are sure to draw a crowd, whilst in some instances pupils attend to improve their culinary knowledge and expertise. Activities include:

BAFTA Young Games Designer of the Year Award - Whether pupils love to code, draw or write the story, the competition allows you to explore the different areas of making a video game buy either entering the Game Making Award or Game Concept Award

Tomorrow’s Engineer Robotics Challenge – an annual competition in which student teams can apply to be part of an exciting robotics challenge that sees them involved in ‘aviation missions’. Teamwork, robots, design, discovery, fun and loads of LEGO are all part of the mix.

Christmas Craft and Enterprise Club - pupils not only look at the creative design and production of seasonal products but are also encouraged to develop their entrepreneurial skills but looking into the costings and profitability to the products made.

Inter-house Challenge – an annual challenge is set to all year groups to design a seasonal product. Winning designs are developed and are available for sale with monies raised being donated to the school’s selected charities.

Inter House Bake Off – a competition that is witness to the culinary skills being expressed in a variety of ways. Enjoyment is had and thoroughly appreciated by all.

Ice Breakers – As part of the Ice Breaker event and led by our older mentors, our new Year 7’s are given the opportunity to take part in a biscuit making competition where they are assessed on edibility and original designs.

Holiday revision school – as exam season approaches intervention sessions are held for those students who, for various reasons, may have fallen behind or those who simply want extra revisions sessions or to revisit topics in which they feel less confident. The sessions offer a pupil centred approach as sessions are based on the students’ needs. Despite being offered in the school holidays, these sessions are traditionally well attended and contribute significantly to the impressive results achieved.

Barcelona - In June 2018 our trip, which will be open to all year groups from Years 7 - 10, will allow language skills to be developed, cultural experiences to be gained and a cookery lesson for all which will enhance practical skills ready for GCSE by acquiring an understanding of the Spanish cuisine.