curriculum
Design Technology at Key Stage 3 aims to develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. WBCA follows the National Curriculum allowing students to develop iterative designs, and to manufacture quality products through the use of specialist tools, 21st Century techniques and processes with access to the latest equipment and machinery (such as Computer Aided Design, Computer Numerically Controlled machines and rapid prototyping). Students also develop technical knowledge of materials, mechanical and electronic systems and processes.
Project based Learning
In each of these projects students will explore Health and Safety and develop a composite product that focuses on the three core resistant materials: woods, metals and plastics. This is delivered across three rotations of 6 weeks (18 hours). Supported with various home learning tasks, each project is designed to develop practical skills and competence through design and make activities (DMAs).Year 7 Automata Moving Toy
The Focused Practical Tasks in this project (FPTs) introduce students to materials and processes, mechanisms, tools and machinery.Discover the Year 7 Curriculum Learning Journey here
Year 8 Electronic Skill Building Game
The Focused Practical Tasks in this project (FPTs) introduce students to materials and processes, electronics and electronic principles, tools and machinery.Discover the Year 8 Curriculum Learning Journey here
Year 9 An Electronic Stereo Amplifier Product Design
The Focused Practical Tasks in this project (FPTs) introduce students to materials and processes, electronics and electronic principles, tools and machinery.Discover the Year 9 Curriculum Learning Journey here
In each project students will learn to….Design
- use research and exploration, such as the study of target markets to identify and understand user needs
- identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them
- develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations
- use a variety of approaches [for example, biomimicry and user-centred design] to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses
- identify advantages and disadvantages of producing single, one off products
- understand engineering drawings (BS8888)
- use Computer Aided Design
Make
- select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture
- know the origins and physical and working properties of hardwoods, softwoods and man-made boards: toughness, flexibility, grain structure, strength, absorbency, surface finish, colour and hardness
- jigs and devices to control repeat activities
- stock forms, types and sizes in order to calculate and determine the quantity of materials or components required
- select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, and components taking into account their properties
- joining materials, temporarily, semi permanently and permanently
- surface treatments to prolong life and finishes for aesthetic or functional reasons
Evaluate
- analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding
- investigate new and emerging technologies
- test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users and other interested groups
- understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists
Technical knowledge
- understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions
- understand how more advanced mechanical systems used in their products enable changes in movement and force
- specialist techniques and processes that can be used to shape, fabricate, construct and assemble a high quality prototype, including techniques such as wastage, addition, deforming and reforming, as appropriate to the materials and/or stock components being used
