Why do we learn design technology?
Ark Alexandra’s Design & Technology Curriculum aims to:
- Develop students’ design and practical skills using traditional techniques as well as the latest technologies (including CAD/CAM).
- Create reflective students who strive to achieve high standards of skill and presentation in order to produce quality outcomes of which they can be proud.
- Create kind and informed designers who consider the needs of their clients and the impact of their products on society and the environment.
- Instil faith and resilience in students so they are undeterred when faced with challenges, persevere in order to solve problems and take risks to produce innovative outcomes. Teach the Christian values of Stillness and Reflection, Aspiration and Hope and Courageous Advocacy for Change.
Head of Department
Kelly Hawes
Our approach
In Design & Technology, students develop most of their knowledge and skills through completing focused project work, thus acquiring investigation, designing and making skills in preparation for GCSE and A-Level. Progression has been planned so that students are taught key skills in year 7 which get progressively more challenging each year. By re-teaching key knowledge and skills, students from years 7 to 10 refine their skills so that by year 11 they have the potential to achieve excellence and the faith that this is an achievable goal.
Assessment is not always in the form of a written exam but may be the completion of an applied or practical task (e.g. analysis, research, designing, making, evaluating) which can be assessed to identify students’ level of understanding and capability. Literacy opportunities have been incorporated into the schemes of learning through the inclusion of extended pieces of writing (analysis and evaluation pieces of work) as well as learning keywords and definitions from years 7-13.
Exam theory is usually taught as part of projects, practical or Do Now starter activities rather than as stand-alone lessons, which creates a richer and more meaningful learning experience as students can apply their learning and have physical examples to refer to when revising.
Our curriculum offer is enhanced through enrichment clubs, as well as STEM and career activities throughout the year, e.g. Robot Wars. Trips are run to further enrich students' learning experiences. We also offer a Summer School to primary students to increase their experience in Design & Technology.
Year 7
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Research and Design a Lamp Inspired by a Culture |
Clearly Communicating a Final Design |
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Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Timber-Based Materials and Making | 2D CAD & Electronics |
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Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Finishes, Evaluation and Textiles | Textiles |
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All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Physical Education
Year 8
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Research and Design a Memphis Inspired 3D Clock |
Development of Ideas |
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Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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2D CAD, Polymers, Making | Making |
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Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Sustainable Design and 3D CAD | Structures, Forces and Systems |
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All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject - Physical Education
Year 9
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Research and Design a Speaker | Development of Ideas |
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Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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2D CAD and Making | Making |
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Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Vinyl Cutting and Evaluation | 3D CAD |
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All Year 9 subjects Next Year 9 Subject - Physical Education
Studying design technology at GCSE
Year 10
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Teenage Lifestyle Mock NEA | Development of Ideas & Skills Project |
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Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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Drawing Techniques, New Technologies and User Centred Design |
Metals and Alloys; Textiles and Smart Materials |
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Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Paper and Boards | Mock Exam Preparation and NEA |
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All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Physical Education
Year 11
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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NEA Coursework Investigation | NEA Development of Ideas |
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Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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NEA - Making | NEA - Making, Testing and Evaluation |
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Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Exam Revision | - |
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All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Physical Education
Year 12
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Timber-Based Materials & Traditional Manufacturing Skills. Design Movements and Designers. |
Polymers, Metals, Paper and Boards. Technological and Cultural Changes. Design processes. |
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Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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3D CAD Modern Materials |
NEA Coursework Investigation. Responsible Design. |
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Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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NEA Coursework – Investigation. NEA – Design Brief and Specification. |
NEA – Development of Design Proposals. Requirements for Product Design and Development. |
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Year 13
Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Development of Design Proposals | Development of Design Proposals |
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Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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NEA - Making | NEA – Making, Testing and Evaluation |
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Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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Revision | - |
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