Technology - Design Technology
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences
on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply
technical and practical expertise.
Our GCSE allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.
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Intent
We believe that a ‘world-class’ curriculum facilitates personal development, equipping students to engage in the crucial debates and conversations of their time - preparing them for the demands of local, national and international society.
We must provide a curriculum for our students that allows them to attain high quality qualifications routed in a deep foundation of transferrable knowledge acquired from a range of subject areas.
In a context where limited experiences of different religions, cultures and travel outside of the South West are common it is incumbent on our curriculum to facilitate these opportunities. The curriculum must ensure that students progress on from Tor Bridge High with the awareness and understanding to allow them to both integrate and flourish in a modern democratic society.
Technology is a multi-disciplinary subject which is inspiring, motivating and practical in approach. Learning draws on a wealth of cross-curricular subject knowledge, skills and approaches to develop products and processes that address real and relevant problems within varied contexts. Students acquire a broad range of knowledge and experience, drawing from disciplines such as Maths, Science and Art, to develop an overall capability in Technology.
The application of knowledge in the development of technical and practical processes underpin our Technology learning, together with the study and evaluation of past, present and future innovations. Students develop an awareness of the impact of technology on our lives and society, and are able to become discerning, resourceful, innovative and capable citizens.
Implementation
Impact
KS3 Curriculum Content
No Course Available
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Year 7
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Year 8
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Year 9
KS4 Curriculum Content
Year 9 Foundation course in D&T aims to extend student knowledge from years 7-8, and to further develop competence in technical processes and self-management during the process of design.
Year 10 enables students to expand their knowledge and apply this to develop GCSE level capability in D&T ready for AQA NEA and examined elements in line with course requirements.
This course is 50% Exam and 50% NEA (Non-Examined Assessment “Coursework”)
Exam Content:
1: Key Ideas in D&T: CADCAM, Sustainability, Social Issues, Powering Systems
2: Materials and Systems: Properties of Materials, Paper and Board, Timber, Metals, Alloys, Polymers, Textiles, Electronic Systems, Mechanical Systems, New Materials
3: More about Materials: Selecting Materials, Forces and Stresses, Scales of Production, Quality Control, Production Aids, Production of Materials
4: Woods Metals and Polymers: Uses of W/M/P, Stock Forms and Standard Components, Shaping Materials – Hand Tools, Shaping Materials – Machine Tools, Shaping Techniques, Moulding and Joining, Treatment and Finishes
5: Designing and Making: The work of designers, User Needs, Briefs and Specs, Market Research, Product Analysis, Design Strategies, Development of Ideas, Drawing Techniques, Manufacturing Specs, Prototypes, Efficiency, Safety
NEA Content:
1. Context and Analysis
2. Design Brief and Specification
3. Design Ideas
4. Development
5. Manufacturing
6. Evaluation and Testing
Assessment during the theory units is via in class questioning and end of unit tests. We also have internal exams at the end of year 10 and a mock exam in January of year 11.
Assessment of NEA unit is in line with JCQ guidelines for controlled assessment: https://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/non-examination-assessments
There are several units within this course specifically designed to teach students about Ethical, Moral and Cultural needs and influences when designing products. Sustainability is a core theme throughout the designing and making where the impact of decisions on the environment is analysed and taken into account when manufacturing products.
Year 10
Year 11
KS5 Curriculum Content
No Course Available