Last Revised: 19 Sep 08

Technology at St Peter's

Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of teams. The combination of practical skills and an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices allows them to evaluate past and present design and technology. Through design and technology, all pupils can become innovators as well as discriminating and informed users of products. Pupils will work in well-equipped rooms by highly motivated specialist subject teachers.

Technology at Key Stage 3

During Key Stage 3, pupils use a wide range of materials to design and make products. They work out their ideas with some precision, taking into account how products will be used, their consumers, costs and appearance. They develop understanding by investigating products and finding out about the work of professional designers and industry. Computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) and control software is used as an integral part of designing and making. Pupils also benefit from incorporating knowledge and understanding from other areas of the curriculum. During each academic year at Ks3 pupils will study courses in resistant materials, food technology, textiles, graphic design and systems and control.

Year 7

Year 7 establishes the foundation for all later Design and Technology work using the concept of the ‘Design Process’. Students are familiarised with health and safety and become accustomed to using standard and computer controlled machinery. Students develop individual ideas from a given design brief and specification and through class work and homework develop a design folder which addresses all major aspects of the design and make process.

Year 8

The Year 8 course builds on the foundation established at Year 7. Students revise health and safety and use of machinery. They are introduced to additional tools, equipment and concepts. Students are encouraged to use CAD-CAM to a greater degree in their work and look at industrial application.

Year 9

The Year 9 course reinforces the foundation established at Year 7 and 8 including health and safety, use and functionality of standard and computer controlled machinery. Students are introduced to more advanced processes and methods of presenting information following the same procedures as for GCSE. Industrial practices are introduced within all aspects of the work with emphasis on Environment and Social responsibilities. This course provides a good foundation for the GCSE option.

Technology at GCSE

Years 10 & 11

At Key Stage 4 all pupils are follow a specialist course leading to a GCSE qualification. Currently the courses available are: food technology, graphic products, resistant materials technology, textiles technology and systems and control, although the type and number of courses may vary. All these subject areas are assessed by examination and coursework. The exams are worth 40%, and the coursework 60% of the final grade. The course starts in year 10 with practical projects used to deliver the theory in each subject area. At the beginning of year 11 all pupils start their coursework. The hand in date for this is usually around the end of March.

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