Design & Technology

Design and Technology Faculty
focused on enabling students to become:‘Exciting designers and quality producers’
Today’s society is a fast moving, technologically based, environment in which young people are continually exposed to ever improving products.
“The Teaching of quality design and technology in our schools is a vital requirement for the Country’s future in the 21st century.”
James Dyson [www.cadinschools.org]
Students now in our college will be the innovators, leaders and citizens of the next millennium and we need to equip them to be able to understand, adapt and develop with the current rapid, technological changes. Alongside this, students are encouraged to pursue goals of self-esteem and personal responsibility. Design and Technology provides an ideal opportunity for both these aims to take place but, above all, we hope that students at High Tunstall College of Science find it ‘an inventive and fun activity’ – James Dyson – both whilst they are studying now and during their later life experiences.
Staffing Structure September 2007
Teaching Staff:
Christine Arthington - Faculty Leader Design and Technology
Sharon Ireland
Pete Meadows
Helen Musgrove
Emma Rodgers
Neil Syres
Mrs T Fielding
Technicians:
Allen Elliott
Margaret Elliott
Stephanie Tikna
Design and Technology Faculty

Overview of Curriculum Organisation

Key Stage Three
Year 7 and 8:
Initially, Design and Technology is delivered to students through a 2-year rotational course providing access to all National Curriculum requirements.  Students’ undertake a focused practical task in all materials at the start of each year, ensuring progression with making skills. They also complete one extended design and make task in each area over the two year period which focuses on developing an understanding of the integrated process of design and production related to practices used in industry.
How to help year 7 and 8 students to make progress in D&T:
In addition to the usual pen, pencil and ruler, students will find it useful to have a selection of pencil crayons [not felt tips] for use in design work.
Many independent learning [homework] tasks can be completed using a computer so access to word processing and the internet can be valuable. ICT facilities are available in college but students often have more success working in a calm environment, without distractions, at home. The development of good ICT skills is essential for GCSE coursework and this period is the ideal time to establish and consolidate the range of skills that will be required.
It will also be very beneficial to students studying Design and Technology if they are provided with frequent opportunities to become comfortable with the handling of a range of materials. Washing up is a good example of this, as is preparing simple family meals, ironing their own clothes and helping out with any DIY work or car maintenance tasks. This will enable them to focus on the development of good quality production techniques rather than simply learning the basics of how to use hot soapy water or open the oven door when they have to work independently in the classroom.
Year 9:
At the end of year 8, students are given the opportunity to specialise in one material from Food, Graphics, Resistant Materials or Textiles in order that they may develop more complex skills, knowledge and understanding. This is delivered through an extended KS3 project, using a common ‘containers’ theme, in the autumn term. From January, the material specific design and making skills required for study at KS4 are developed. This format enables the team to ensure all students achieve their full potential at KS3 and to consider the possibility of early entry for GAT students.
How to help year 9 students to make progress in D&T:
Many research tasks involve students in collecting data about existing products. Access to the internet can be invaluable here but students also need to visit retail stores or collect catalogues which sell products made from their chosen material eg a supermarket or furnishing store. Support and encouragement with these and other home learning tasks to ensure that they are completed and presented effectively is essential.
Students will require various individual materials for project work during the year and they would benefit from consolidating production skills in their chosen material by carrying out activities at home. Perhaps some simple decorative cushions or pop-up-cards or decorated cakes or small storage boxes etc, etc.
At GCSE level, design tasks are completed on A3 paper. In preparation for this, students will be moving to this format during year 9 so will require a folder to store and transport this work. Students will also require a range of pencil colours for design work.
Key Stage Four
GCSE Design and Technology
The faculty offers four material areas from the AQA Design and Technology Specifications.
Each material is assessed using the same criteria and weighting for the component sections:
60%  major coursework project – no tiers – A* – G
40%  2 hour examination
- higher tier   A*-D
- foundation tier C – G
Food Technology
The food industry employs huge numbers of workers in a wide range of jobs. Students can aspire to become food product development chefs for large retail organisations or they may wish to enter the service side of the industry through restaurants or take away establishments. The possibilities are endless!
To succeed in Food Technology, students should be interested in both producing food products using a wide range of techniques and also investigating the properties and functions of food ingredients. They must be well organised and ensure that home learning and planning tasks, as well as ingredients, are brought into college at the correct time. Practical skills in food preparation and clearing away should also be regularly practised at home. Year 11 GCSE coursework is developed around the personal interests of individual students and involves the preparation and development of a food product suitable for a particular type of diet.
Graphic Products

Graphic designers are employed in almost every aspect of industry for development of packaging and marketing materials. Web and computer game designers are also attractive professions for individuals with graphic design qualifications.
To succeed in graphic products, students should be ready to spend extra time at home developing their ICT skills in addition to understanding the precise nature of drawing techniques needed to produce accurate products using paper and card. Year 11 coursework is based around a choice of projects which enable students to develop individual interests.

Resistant Materials

With the shortage of skilled craftspeople being reported in the press this is an excellent material to study for anyone wishing to work in the building or engineering industry – not to mention DIY! It is primarily taught through the medium of wood but plastic and metal are also incorporated.
To succeed in Resistant Materials, students should take every opportunity to participate in home DIY tasks and if possible be encouraged to make small projects in wood at home. ICT drawing/design skills could also be improved by extra practise in the library after college or at home. Year 11 coursework is based around a choice of projects which enable students to develop individual interests.

Textiles Technology

From the Haute Couture Fashion Designer to the sales assistant in the fashion boutique, there are many job opportunities within the textiles industry. An interest in learning about the handling of fabrics is essential but this can be used to develop a wide range of products from household furnishings to ball gowns or overcoats.
To succeed in Textiles Technology, students must be prepared to practise the development of their practical skills at home. They should also take every opportunity to observe and explore the range of products available for sale in shops and catalogues. Samples of fabrics should be collected and a sketch/design book kept for recording of inspirational images. Two projects are studied in year 10 for which students will be expected to provide fabric – one based on home furnishings and one on garment making. In year 11, students work on a project of their own choice.

Double Award GCSE Engineering

This Edexcel course is delivered in partnership with St Hild’s CE School.
There are three units of study:

Unit 1: Design & Graphical Communication   - design project 33.3%
Unit 2: Engineering Products    - metal product 33.3%
Unit 3: Application of Technology   - 1½ hour exam 33.3%
GCSE Home Economics Child Development

The faculty also offers AQA GCSE Child Development. All aspects of the development of a child are considered up to the age of five. The course is assessed by:

50%  Child Study carried out over a period of 6 months
50%  Examination  - Higher tier   2hrs
Foundation tier 1½ hrs