Design and Technology at St John’s is mostly based around the National Curriculum from the UK. Students will learn about the process of designing and making with products made from resistant materials (i.e. woods, metals and plastics). Students are taught how to work with resistant materials and which tools, equipment and processes are used to manipulate the materials. Students will also learn how their own and more commercial products are designed and made in industry.

 

Key stage 3

Students in years 7, years 8 and years 9 design and manufacture products by undertaking a series of projects, with each one focusing on different materials and processes. Students must present an A4 design folder and a working product for each project.

Key Stage 4

Students can continue studying Design and Technology in Year’s 10 and 11. They will be working towards a GCSE in Resistant Materials Technology, organised by Edexcel. Most of the learning will take place through focused practical tasks, case studies and through product analysis. Students have to complete one coursework design and make project worth 60% of their final grade. At the end of Year 11 students will take one written examination worth 40% of their final grade.

In Design and Technology we believe that:

• Project work should be fun and stimulating.

• Projects should be chosen where all students can achieve rewarding practical outcomes no matter what their ability level is.

• The best designs are often simple. Students are encouraged to design and make products that have a real purpose, function well, look attractive and are not too complicated to manufacture.

• Students need to spend lots of time making things in the workshop in order to develop their practical skills over a period of time.

• Students should be doing work relevant to what they will be assessed on at the end of their school studies.