Introduction to Design & Technology
In Year 7, the department operates a carousel system, which allows the students to experience Resistant Materials, Graphics and Textiles. The focus is firmly on inspiring and motivating students through the designing and making of products. Students also study Food & Nutrition.
In making and designing, students are challenged to solve problems; to think critically; and become aware of key stakeholders and end users in the wider world. The curriculum offers the chance to work with different materials and equipment and this widens knowledge and experience, thus broadening their outlook. There are two assessment tasks in each part of the carousel, and student grades feed into and are tracked across all D&T disciplines as a whole.
In Year 8 students study two of the Design and Technology disciplines allowing them to focus more time and energy on developing skills and knowledge in those areas. Students are able communicate their preferred subject areas and this allows them to feel that they can take ownership of their progress, and have greater enjoyment as a result. Longer courses are provided to enable students the time and opportunity to gain greater depth of knowledge and skill which is retained for Year 9.
In Year 9 students again communicate preferences and continue with their D&T education, again in two subject areas across the year. Higher-level processes, skills, and standards are expected as we build towards GCSE level quality of work with the foundation knowledge and experience gained to be a great success in KS4.
At GCSE level, Design & Technology includes studying one of the following specialisms: resistant materials, graphics or textiles. Food Preparation & Nutrition, and Hospitality & Catering (level1/2) sit outside of D&T GCSE, and therefore feature in separate option blocks. Candidates can opt for a Food subject as well as one of the design and technology subjects.
All subjects require students to demonstrate a design process based on specialist knowledge learnt in lessons. Greater knowledge and understanding of the subject is central to achieving a good grade in Key Stage 4.
In our curriculum we aim to:
- explore the world of design and creativity and to unlock potential in students
- give students confidence to work with different materials and tools
- allow students to discover manufacturing and the processes involved
- encourage a life-long interest in Design and the creative subjects
- introduce sustainability as a foundation for all that we do
Design & Technology and Food & Nutrition are very popular at GMS in all Key Stages, and offers the full range of learning styles and cross curricular disciplines to help students across the school and in the wider world.
