Curriculum Lead

Miss V Hime - Curriculum Lead Art, Design & Technology, & Child Development

Curriculum Principles & Intent

Design and Technology is all around us in our modern world. Learning about Design and Technology helps our students understand the world in which they are living, and actively engage in it. It helps them know where we have been and develop where we are going.  The Design and Technology curriculum at The Adeyfield Academy consists of a range of creative, imaginative and innovative experiences of designing and practical based activities. Using a range of materials from three main areas: Resistant materials, Textiles and Food. The curriculum is designed to give all students the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge to engage positively with materials, components, products, and technologies in the world around them. Through these types of activities students are actively contributing to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of themselves and their community

• The aims of the Design and Technology department are to prepare students with the skills and knowledge for the world outside the classroom, enabling them to experience life to the full, both in the world of work and leisure for their future.
• The curriculum is designed to be progressive, so that students can build on the skills and knowledge they learn and master them.
• The curriculum aims to give all students of whatever ability the opportunity to master these skills and knowledge through a perseverance stickability approach.
• To develop creative innovative thinkers.
• To enable students to feel safe and confident in their learning environment to take risks and learn from mistakes.
• To foster intellectual inquisitiveness about how and why things work the way they do.
• To understand the history of design and technology developments, to appreciate and respect the past, immerse themselves in the present and design for the future.
• To support the development of good health and well-being of our students through the studying of nutrition and food.
• To have a greater understanding of how the real world of design and technology works around them, looking back at the past, seeing the present and looking forward to the future.
• To enjoy learning in a practical manner having experienced the best possible engaging and challenging lessons which foster and promote interests for later life.
• To encourage and inspire students who wish to take on further study from selecting this as an option at GCSE, A level, university and the world of work.
• To equip students with the knowledge and skills to go into adult life both at work and leisure with a sound understanding of practical applications to enhance their lifestyles and the joy of learning.

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GCSE Specifications

Design & Technology (Resistant Materials) Edexcel 1DT0

Exam Board: Edexcel

Design Technology is excellent for students that prefer learning in a practical way to achieve their full potential. It is ideal for those that enjoy a challenge, working with others and have an interest in designing as well as making. The theory of the course is taught in as practical a way as possible. Students are encouraged to learn at their own speed and in their own way, through asking questions, group work and class discussions.

Course Content:

On this course students will work with several different materials including wood, metal, plastics, and fabric in order to devise creative solutions for a brief. They will complete a number of small projects in order to develop their design and making skills. Students will be able to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of graphic and modelling materials. They will be given the opportunity to make product(s) using graphic media and new technologies to prepare for the world of work.

Throughout their projects, students will complete folder work which will build up a portfolio of skills and will be followed by an extended project in which they will design and make a product.  In their final project, students will specialise in a particular area. Theory is taught through both traditional classroom activities and practical-based learning which are teacher and pupil led. Homework is set weekly (which can be doing an extra time in the workshop). Students have access to regular after school sessions if they wish to do extra work or catch up.  

Mode of Assessment:

The practical section of the course makes up 50% of the final grade and is one extended project. The written exam is made up of a section covering all aspects of technology core theory and in the second section students choose one question on their chosen specialism.