Design and Technology Product Design in Years 7, 8 and 9.

WHAT IS DT PRODUCT DESIGN?

"Design is important because if it was not designed it could not be made"
Edward aged 10

The aims and objectives of the Design and Technology Department relate directly to those of the School and to the requirements of the National Curriculum. The Department offers, to all pupils, courses whereby they study resistant and compliant materials, control systems and graphics. The concept of Product Design is central to the work.

This subject is holistic in nature. Focused tasks are undertaken. Pupils experience the whole design process identifying needs and opportunities, idea generation, planning, making, disassembly and evaluating. Practical skills must be mastered before the concepts of total product design can be undertaken. This is achieved through a considerable amount of workshop practice early on in the School to develop an awareness of how products can be made in the first instance. This combines with the vital role of safety and personal organisation that must be realised in any practical environment.

What will your child study?

· Year 7 students will take a 12-week course complemented by Food Technology and ICT
· Pupils begin by designing and making kitchen utensils in wood from free form shapes. They progress to make a four string marionette puppet which uses a range of resistant and compliant materials. The concept of Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture is made clear by its application during the course. Quality of finish is emphasised throughout the entire time pupils are in the department and on every project undertaken
· Years 8 and 9 also follow a similar 12-week pattern
· Total product design to the point of sale including packaging, is central to the work carried out. As making skills are developed, so the concept of detailed design can be introduced to advanced levels

How will your child be assessed?

· Your child's classwork and subject knowledge is regularly assessed
· Your child will actively assess their own work as part of the evaluation in the Design Process
· The nature of this subject naturally lends itself to allowing pupils of all abilities to work at their own levels
· For some pupils extra individual help is at hand by the use of support staff in addition to the class teacher

The Design and Technology Department does not set homework on a regular basis. The nature of the subject and the way it is taught determines that homework is only set when considered appropriate for the work in hand. This is often individual to the pupil concerned.