In our Design and Technology Department pupils are able to study Product Design and Food Technology. Click on the above links to find our more about these courses.
Design Technology
"Product Design helps pupils become aware of the significance and impact of Design and Technology on their lives, and in doing so enables them to develop a critical appreciation of quality manufactured products."
Our department has:
- Two highly experienced and successful specialist teachers.
- A bright, colourful and well organised dedicated department comprising a multi-craft workshop, classroom and resource area.
- Exam results well above the national and school average.
- Courses at AS and A Level as well as GCSE
- Enthusiastic pupils who respect the department.
- ICT and the use of the Internet incorporated into the teaching of this subject.
D T Product Design at Key Stage 3 - 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.
GCSE DT Product Design
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” William Morris
GCSE Product Design students learn about materials, manufacturing processes and technologies and how they are used to design and make products.
Students must demonstrate their own design and technology capability by combining practical skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make quality products in quantity.
Students will acquire and apply knowledge, skills and understanding through:
Analysing and evaluating products and processes.
Undertaking focused tasks using a range of materials, components, processes and techniques.
Developing ideas, planning and producing products which meet the needs of the user.
Considering how past and present design and technology affects society.
Recognising the moral, cultural and environmental issues related to design and technology.
The course is assessed through both examination and coursework.
Unit 1: Written Paper 45551. The 2 hour exam, which represents 40% of the overall grade, will test students’ knowledge and understanding of materials and components, technological developments, sustainability issues, human factors and also their ability to analyse and evaluate existing commercial products.
Unit 2: Design and Making Practice 45552. Candidates are also required to submit a coursework project, which accounts for the remaining 60% of the final grade. This consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks. This will be completed in year 11 and must include a 3-dimensional product and a supporting design folder. Students must identify a need or problem and after researching and analysing the task, produce a specification and generate a range of possible solutions. The best idea will then be developed in detail. Students will learn how to communicate their ideas and plan for manufacture. Once the product has been made students must test and evaluate their designs. Some expense is incurred in making products but this is determined by the students’ design ideas.
Specification: AQA Design and Technology: Product Design 4555
Click here to download a copy of the specification for this subject.
The demands of this subject should not be underestimated. Students must be well motivated, able to generate ideas and work independently. This is an enormously rewarding subject, but only suitable for those who enjoy a creative challenge.
AS and A Level DT Product Design
“Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.” Frank Lloyd Wright
Do you like to make things? Do you have a sense of style? Do you appreciate products that look good and work well?
A Level Product Design is an exciting opportunity to develop practical making skills and an understanding of design theory. However the demands of the subject should not be under-estimated. Students completing this course successfully will be skilful makers able to select and work with a wide range of graphic and resistant materials. However they will also have a broad understanding of design theory which includes elements of psychology, philosophy, art, ICT, business studies, chemistry, physics, history, maths and more.
Product Design aims to prepare students to live and work in a rapidly changing technological world. The subject requires students to become independent and creative problem solvers, able to identify needs, wants and opportunities and in response generate original design proposals. Students are required to design products to meet a commercial need and consider all aspects of the design and marketing of their products. Designing for quantity production rather than one-off products is an important aspect of the course. It is expected that students will make full use of our excellent ICT facilities including CAD/CAM and graphic software.
Course Requirements
To be successful at A level, students will need to be well motivated, creative and have a genuine interest in design. They must possess enquiring minds and the ability to recognise potential for new or improved products. They must have the ability to research independently, to organise, analyse and present their findings using a wide range of communication techniques. Students should have the skill and confidence to communicate and develop design ideas in graphic form and through modelling in a range of materials.
This A level course is intended to develop skills acquired at GCSE, so those with no previous experience of the subject are likely to find the work extremely challenging.
Assessment
At AS
Unit 1 – PROD1 Materials, Components and Application
50% of AS, 25% of A Level - 2 hour written paper
In preparation for a two-hour exam in June, students will study the following topics:
Materials and Components
Design and Market Influences
Processes and Manufacture
Unit 2 – PROD2 Learning Through Designing and Making
50% of AS, 25% of A Level - Coursework – approx 50 hours
This unit is a ‘design and make’ activity. Students must identify a problem or gap in the market and in response, design and make a 3D product including supporting graphics, packaging and promotion. A design folder must be produced including evidence of research, analysis, idea generation and development, planning, testing and evaluation.
This unit is internally assessed then reviewed by an external moderator using the following criteria:
Context and Objectives.
Plan of Action and Clarification of Problem.
Development of Design Proposal.
Manufacture and Modelling.
Conclusions, Evaluations and Recommendations.
Communication and Presentation.
At A2
The A2 Qualification is very similar in structure to the AS. In the second year of the course students will undertake two further units
Unit 3 – PROD3 Design and Manufacture
This unit is taught as Unit 1 through theory lessons and also assessed by a 2 hour examination and is worth 25% of the A Level.
Based primarily on Design and Manufacture and consisting of two sections
Candidates answer three questions: one question from three in each section,plus a final question from either section.
Includes synoptic assessment
Unit 4 – PROD4 Design and Making Practice
This unit requires students to design and manufacture a commercially viable product and is worth 25% of the A Level
Coursework – approx 60 hours
Written (or electronic) design folder
Manufactured outcome
Candidates submit evidence of a simple, substantial designing and making activity
Specification: AQA Design and Technology - Product Design: 3D Design AS 1551 A 2551
Click here to download a copy of the specification for this subject.
Options after A Level Product Design
Upon successful completion of this course students will have the capability and confidence to produce designs and make prototypes using the same procedures and principles used in industry. It is a significant academic achievement, providing an excellent foundation for further study. Students may choose to progress to Higher or Further Education courses in Product Design, but the course is also recognised by employers, colleges and universities as good preparation for subjects such as Art, Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, Architecture, Model-making or Graphic Design.
Children love cooking and we at Friends' School embrace their ambitions. As early as Year 5 pupils have regular Food lessons in Senior school and continue into Year 9. A student is then able to opt to follow a GCSE course in this and then to continue to AS/A2. They can be guaranteed the opportunity to cook a variety of dishes that consider the importance of a balanced diet, the use of local and seasonal produce and the influence of various cultures.
DT Food Technology helps pupils understand the physical, chemical, nutritional, biological and sensory properties of food. Pupils are also made aware of the health and safety implications of food handling.
In this department there is/are:
- A fully equipped and modern food technology room.
- Three experienced teachers supported by an able technician.
- Good use made of ICT and multimedia.
- A chance for all pupils to study this subject until the end of Year 9 after which it becomes an optional GCSE for those in Years 10 and 11, and can be studied at Advanced level in the sixth form.
- Very popular after school food clubs each week.
DT Food Technology in Years 7, 8 and 9.
What is DT Food Technology?
The curriculum in Design Technology Food Technology helps pupils to understand the physical, chemical, nutritional, biological and sensory properties of foods and how to exploit these properties when designing and making food products. It is the process involved in the conversion of raw materials to edible food products including meals. It requires students to learn about materials, food safety and hygiene whilst examining the processes, skills and techniques needed to make foods. In food technology investigative work is carried out to see how products are conceived, researched, developed, manufactured and marketed to meet the needs of the consumer.
What will your child study?
Year 7
This course consists of 2 x 5 week courses over the year.
The pupils begin the course by building on the knowledge gained in KS2, with an additional discussion, "What is Food Technology". After a brief revision of hygiene rules the students begin a unit "Learning about products". Weighing and measuring skills are reinforced with the focus on the design of scones, with practical tasks and product and sensory analysis. The next unit examines the "Understanding of materials", looking at the ‘balanced plate’, vegetables and fruit and salads. The students have the opportunity to examine the variety of fruit and vegetables available to them, the processing they may undergo and the ways in which they are prepared. They will make soup, pizza, fruit salads and savoury salads. Finally the students will complete their course with "Designing and making for yourself". Here they will look at the design of snack foods, learning about casings and fillings and working towards modelling their own snack.
Year 8
This course consists of two 5 week units.
Unit 1 is Make It!Bake It! where they will find out about the market locally for baked goods, finding out about baked good in different cultures . the role of fat, flour and raising agents in baking. The students will prepare scones, Swiss roll, lemon drizzle cake, and shortbread.
The next unit is called ‘Meal Deal’ when they examine the balancing of foods from different food groups. Using meat, fish eggs etc they will prepare home-made burgers, salmon fish cakes, chicken and asparagus pie. The course concludes with designing a healthy pasta dish for school lunch.
Cooking skills - measuring, baking, mixing, boiling, sautéing, sauce making.
Year 9
Unit 1 is called ‘In a stew’ where the students will investigate chilled foods e.g potato topped pies, casseroles, stews, looking closely at the influence of different cultures . Risk assessment including safety and hygiene are highlighted. The students will prepare Cottage pie, Chilli con carne, Lancashire hot pot and chicken curry. Unit 2 is the ‘Great Pudding Revival’ where they develop ideas around traditional pudding recipes like Sticky Toffee Pudding, Pineapple Upside Down Pudding and Bakewell tart. Incorporating fruit into the puddings is examined.
Cooking skills – preparing vegetables, sautéing, sauce making pastry making, steaming, creaming, baking.
How will your child be assessed?
Some children will find an encouraging word from the teacher most valuable in signalling that their performance is improving, but formal assessment is set out below.
They will be assessed on their efforts in the organisation and planning of their making tasks.
The stages in the design process will be recorded in project work and this will be assessed at its conclusion.
For some pupils extra individual help is given to support their work in Food Technology and this is extremely valuable.
Any area of special effort and improvement is recognised by the use of the School’s commendation system.
What activities will your child take part in?
The most popular part of this course is the practical work. This can take the form of individual, group or class activities, with product analysis, focused practical tasks, sensory analysis or experimental sessions.
Students may visit companies and retailers who are involved in the manufacture or marketing of products.
Outside agencies will visit to supplement areas of the Food Technology curriculum.
GCSE DT Food Technology
This is a Design and Technology GCSE using food as the subject for design and making. Food technology is the process involved in the conversion of raw materials into edible food products. Food technology helps students to understand the physical, chemical, nutritional, biological and sensory properties of foods and how to exploit these properties when designing and making food products.
Will I enjoy the course?
You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:
Involves cooking food!
Is both practical and technical
Involves working alone and within a group
Is relevant to the consumer society you live in
Encourages you to make decisions on adapting recipes and designs
Develops a full range of skills that will be useful in other subjects you study and in employment.
What about exams?
The assessments involve 2 units.
Unit 1 tests your knowledge and understanding of Food Technology and consists of a1½ hour written exam (40%). (Year 10 starting in September 2010 will sit this exam at the end of Year 10)
Unit 2 is Creative Design and Make Activities which are controlled individual pieces of work carried out by the student based on practical work (60%).
You will be expected to produce a food product using a high standard of ‘making’ with an accompanying A3 design folder of around 15-20 pages. The coursework project is expected to be produced within 40 hours.
Specification: Edexcel Food Technology 2FT01
Click here to download the current specification for this GCSE course.
AS and A Level DT Food Technology
Food is a major employer in the UK - a highly competitive and challenging industry offering a wealth of employment opportunities. The introduction of new Advanced level courses provides a valuable pathway to further and higher education for those who wish to study the subject at this level.
The Advanced level courses aim to develop appropriate skills in these areas, including a wide range of practical skills in handling and working with food, applying design thinking and manufacturing processes.
At AS you will study
Carbohydrates, Fats, proteins - Food Science
Additives
Industrial and commercial practice – in preparation of food
Underlying microbiological principles
Preservation processes
Good manufacturing practice
and you will be expected to:
Cook each week, and be creative
Work in a small group
Study independently
Design work
Make visits
Carry out experimental work
Show an ability to test and evaluate their work
Produce high quality products that meet the requirement of a design brief
Specification = Edexcel D&T Food Technology AS 8FT01 A2 9FT01
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.
AS - Units of assessment
There are 2 units of assessment, one internally assessed, which is a coursework project (60%) and one unit which is externally assessed by a 1.5 hour written examination (40%).
Unit 1 (6FT01) Coursework- Portfolio of Creative Skills - 60% of AS (30% of A level)
In this unit students are given the opportunity to develop their creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities. Students will produce one portfolio with 3 distinct sections which demonstrate their creativity and flair when investigating, designing and making food.
The coursework is marked internally but moderated by the Edexcel.
Unit 2 (6FT02) Design and Technology in Practice - 40% of AS (20% of A level)
In this unit students will develop a knowledge and understanding of a wide range of materials, components, additives and processes used in the design and production of food products.
It is important for students to learn about the main food components, their physical nature and working properties. Similarly, students need to know the various stages in preparing foods for large-scale production. They must also learn the fundamental principles underpinning food preservation and the various techniques involved.
Quality of food is of major importance to the manufacturer and consumer. It is therefore essential for students to understand the principles of food quality control and good manufacturing practice in the food industry.
This unit will be assessed by a 1.5 hours written paper. The paper will be a question and answer booklet, consisting of short-answer and extended-writing type questions, all of which are compulsory.
A2 - Units of assessment
There are 2 units of assessment, one internally assessed, which is a coursework project (30%) and one unit which is externally assessed by a 2 hour written examination (20%).
A2 Unit 3 (6FT03): Food Products, Nutrition and Product Development (20% of A level)
In this unit students will develop a knowledge and understanding of a range of food commodities, aspects of nutrition, product development and food innovation.
It is essential for students to have a comprehensive knowledge of the main food commodities, their composition, basic processing and typical spoilage patterns.
A sound knowledge of nutrition and its influence on the diet, contemporary lifestyle issues and new product development is particularly important for food technologists.
Similarly, consumer behaviour, demographics, modern lifestyles and sustainable issues have an influence on new product development. It is also important for students to be aware of the influence of new technologies and materials on the development of new food products.
Assessment is by a 2 hour examination paper set and marked by Edexcel.
The paper will be a question and answer booklet, consisting of short-answer and extended-writing type questions, all of which are compulsory.
A2 Unit 4 (6FT04): Commercial Design - Coursework (30% of A level)
In this unit students are given the opportunity to apply the skills they have acquired and developed throughout this course of study, to design and make a food product of their choice.
In order to reach high attainment levels, students must adopt a commercial design approach to their work, reflecting how a professional might deal with a design problem and its resolution.
The choice of design problem should have a real commercial use, in that it should be useful to a wider range of users beyond an individual, unless it has been specifically commissioned as a ‘one-off’. The design problem should provide opportunities for a client or user-group to have input into decision making at various stages of the design and make process.
A client or user-group is defined as any third party identified by a student, that is referred to and who can give informed critical feedback at various stages throughout the design process. Clients and user-groups do not need to be specialists or experts; they can be drawn from any relevant group of people and may include other students, friends or family members.
A key feature of this unit is that students consider issues related to sustainability and the impact their product may have on the environment. A student may choose to design and make a sustainable product, but if they do not, they should still consider the issues of sustainability at relevant points in their designing and making activities.
Sustainable issues include materials, components/ingredients production and selection, manufacturing processes, use of the product and its disposal/recycling.
This unit is internally set and marked by the centre and externally moderated by Edexcel. Students are given the opportunity to design and make a product of their choice. This unit results in the development of an appropriate product supported by a design folder.
