Design Technology

Y7 Y8 Design and Technology

The Design and Technology department takes ethical, environmental and sustainability issues very seriously and endeavours to follow the 6 R’ principles of Rethink, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Reduce and Refuse, as a core ethos in in all aspects of the Design and Technology curriculum and as part of Knole Academy’ participation in the Eco Schools Green Flag Award.

Students will take part in a one term carousel. They will have two lessons every week. To sustain a fluent learning process, it is understood that students follow a HIPS scheme of work. All students take a Baseline Test at the beginning and end of their session to record their progress. Starters for all lessons of Technical Vocabulary, Sketching/Designing practice There are 30 High Impact Short Projects to choose from, to ensure that there are differentiated outcomes to cater for all abilities and are dependent on time of year for themes/topics, but all have a core learning objective. This comprises of a series of single achievement FPTs investigating, drawing techniques, researching tools/equipment/processes, materials metals, plastics, and wood. Also, microelectronics and Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture, any students taking an interest in CAD/CAM can download the programmes for free and use at home.

All practical tasks are supported by online resources, accessed by students on Edulink via the school website. There are also lunchtime Design and Technology clubs that allow students to follow their own design and technology interests and support the teaching and learning of the Design and Technology curriculum.

Y9 Design and Technology

Students are introduced to longer projects that follow, iterative design processes. There are a choice of projects covering core principles that also allow for differentiation and progression. Students can develop their own projects by adding personal preferences, developing their own ideas to designing and making their project.  

All students take a Baseline Test at the beginning of the school year and at the end of each project for assessment and recording of their progress. All lessons begin with a starter task of Technical Vocabulary, Sketching/Designing practice, Academic work set on Edulink in context with the Practical/project work set in class.

Projects

Designing - Iterative design process, sketching, circuit design (Circuit Wizard), 2D CAD (Techsoft 2D Design) and 3D CAD (Google Sketchup, Solidworks, AutoCAD Fusion), any students taking an interest in Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture can download the programmes for free and use at home.

Electronics - Task Light circuit and sensor circuit,

Resistant materials - L Bracket, Wood Box, Sensor Circuit Case, Smart Phone Holder, Skateboard Deck, Basketball Game and Automata.

In Y9 students are introduced to the structure of the Y10 BTEC course with project exemplar folders and writing frames.

KS4

Y10 and Y11

Qualification: BTEC Tech Award Engineering L1 and L2, Exam Board - Pearson.

Aims of the course

Engineering is a practical subject area that requires the application of knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, producing products and evaluating them.  The course is designed for students who are interested in the various facets within the design/engineering industries.  It is a work-related qualification, reflecting the knowledge, skills and understanding required in the sector.

Learners will also be given the opportunity to:

• Use a wide range of workshop tools and processes including CAD CAM (use of laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC machinery).
• Design and make a product based on an exam specification and brief.
• Use and investigate materials such as wood, plastic, metal, electronic components and smart materials.
• Use and gain proficiency in CAD programs, such as Solid Works, AutoCAD Fusion, 2D Design, Circuit Wizard and Google Sketchup.
• Build on prior knowledge and skills developed in years 7, 8 and 9 such as woodwork, engineering and product design.

Structure

Component 1: Exploring Engineering Sectors and Design Applications. Internal verification.

Component 2: Investigating an Engineering Project. Internal verification.

Component 3:  Responding to an Engineering Brief  - Synoptic - External verification

Teaching Methods

Learners will use computer aided design software to design products.  They will take part in practical workshops during the making process. Classroom activities will include individual and group work.  Research will be carried out and then discussed.  Note taking will be required to facilitate/review learning. 

Assessment

Components 1 and 2 are internally assessed and at the end of the course there will be an externally set, 2-part synoptic assignment that will be, marked internally and externally moderated.
 

Progression

On completion of this qualification, learners may progress to level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate in Engineering at Knole Academy or qualifications such as A Levels or Advanced Technical Certificates/Diplomas.  Alternatively, learners could progress onto an apprenticeship.  This qualification has been developed in collaboration with employers and sector experts. 

BTEC Engineering L3 Extended Certificate, Exam Board - Pearson

Course Outline 4 Units Guided Learning Hours 360

Unit 1   External verification    Engineering Principles GLH120

Unit 2   Internal verification    Delivery of Engineering Principles Safely as a Team GLH60

Unit 3   External verification   Engineering Product Design and Manufacture GLH120

Unit 10 Internal verification   Computer Aided Design in Engineering GLH60

Students can also become certified users of Computer Aided Designing programmes such as Solidworks and Auto CAD Fusion.