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Design Technology

Design Technology at The Misbourne is a rigorous and comprehensive subject. With a strong focus on iterative design, students have the opportunity to generate creative responses to a wide range of design challenges and get to realise their ideas through the acquisition of building and making skills.

Our intent within Design Technology is to nurture and embed life skills which can be utilised throughout life, allowing students to embrace their creativity while developing independent, self-confident learners. Our cultural capital opportunities will encourage students to appreciate the work of others within real-life situations, opening eyes onto the world beyond the school gates. Our ambitious, accessible curriculum offers set high expectations and aspirations across a range of specialisms to ensure students to go on to lead happy and successful lives. 

So, if you like Design Technology and it's the right fit for you - why don't you click here to see where it can take you?

Key Stage 3

Throughout Key Stage 3, students will focus on working safely whilst developing knowledge and skills using a variety of tools and equipment. Focus will also be on quality finishing of final products to produce successful outcomes. 

Year 7 – Sweet Dispenser 

The sweet dispenser is a design and make project using resistant materials to make a product. The product is a simple storage and dispensing device for hard candy, eg Smarties / M&Ms. The container consists of a wooden unit with a simple lever mechanism and a reused jam jar to hold the sweets. Students will develop designs for the container to enhance its appearance using recycled materials where possible. 

Year 7 knowledge organiser

Year 8 – LED lamp project

This project will tap into an alternate skill within Design Technology where students will be making use of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM) in researching, designing, planning and making an LED lamp based on a design movement era. This will involve more in depth use of IT through using a design software programme to map out both the component parts required for cutting on a laser cutter and for designing an insert panel based on a design movement of Art Deco or De Stijl. This project will also introduce students to some basic electronics.

Year 8 knowledge organiser

Year 9 – Animal Shelter project

This project will tap into an alternate skill within Design Technology where students will be making use of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM) in researching, designing, planning and making an animal shelter based on a design brief and consumer feedback. This will involve more in depth use of IT through using a design software programme to map out both the component parts required for cutting on a laser cutter and for designing a personalised panel. On completion of this project, students will also further develop hand tool and machinery practical skills in marking out and making a mini frame project. 

Year 9 knowledge organiser

Key Stage 4

GCSE Design Technology Exam Board: AQA 

An exciting and creative course which sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating. Students must also demonstrate mathematical and scientific knowledge and understanding, in relation to design and technology. 

Design Technology skills are integrated into three core topics: 

  • Core technical principles 

  • Specialist technical principles 

  • Designing and making principles 

Component 1: 

Written exam: 2 hours

100 marks
Total: 50% of GCSE

 

Component 2:

Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours approx
100 marks
Total: 50% of GCSE

Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study or embark on an apprenticeship or full-time career in design technology industries. 

 

Department Staff

Mrs K Cato -Curriculum Leader and Food Preparation and Nutrition Teacher 

Mr E Clayton - Assistant Curriculum Leader and Design Technology Teacher

Ms  J Hawes - Technician 

Mr P Bates - Technician

Useful Websites and Resources

Subject Documents Date  
DT Curriculum Map 08th Aug 2024 Download