Welcome to the Technology Department

Subject Overview
Teaching Aims and Objectives
Course Information
Marking and Assessment
Homework Policy
Examinations
Department Resources
Department Policies

Subject Overview

The Technology Department offers a wide range of subject disciplines to students, taught by specialist staff.

All students study Technology in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. In Years 7 and 8, students are taught Food Technology, Electronics, Textiles, Resistant Materials and Graphics Technology.

At the end of Year 8, students choose option subjects for GCSE. In Technology, they choose from Food Technology, Textiles, Product Design (this option includes studies in Resistant Materials and Electronics), Graphics and Engineering. Engineering is a double award GCSE.

Subjects offered at AS/A Level are Resistant Materials, Textiles and Engineering.

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Teaching Aims and Objectives

Design Technology prepares students to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve the quality of life. The subject requires students to think critically and to become creative problem-solvers, as individuals and as members of a team. Students must identify opportunities and must respond to them by developing a range of ideas and by making products and systems. They acquire practical skills and must also learn to understand aesthetics, social and environmental issues, industrial practices and the functional requirements of products. Students naturally reflect on design technology, past and present, and evaluate its uses and effects. Through their work in Design Technology, all students can become innovators, well able to judge the effective use and design of a wide range of products.

Teaching in the Technology Department seeks to:

• Create practical learning experiences that promote success and raise attainment
• Establish an interactive dialogue with students at a challenging pace
• Introduce real scenarios and design issues that are meaningful to students
• Motivate students through design tasks in which students take ownership of their work and own learning
• Value and celebrate students’ creative and innovative contributions, encouraging openness to ideas and critical reflection
• Allow students to work collaboratively in groups, sharing ideas
• Explore with students the diversity of the application of design and technology in different cultures and the past.

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Course Information

In Years 7 and 8, students study within a carousel system andexperience four different areas of Technology within each year. Course subjects include Product Design, which is embedded within Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Electronics and Resistant Materials. With each rotation, all students have the opportunity to produce quality practical outcomes, with the relevant theory work to support the manufacturing process.

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Marking and Assessment

In Key Stage 3, marking and assessment follows QCA National Guidelines for Technology. Students are awarded a SAT level at the end of each rotation. This level is then aggregated at the end of Key Stage 3.

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Homework Policy

Homework is set weekly in Years 7 and 8. In Key Stages 4 and 5, homework is a part of the coursework deadline dates.

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Examinations

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Department Resources

The Department is equipped with a wide range of CAD/CAM equipment which is available for use within all key stages. Each specialist area is equipped to enable students to design and produce high-quality products.

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Department Policies

Assessment for Learning

Learning objectives are shared with students and exemplar materials are used to help students know and recognise standards they are aiming for. Students are involved in self-assessment and regular feedback is provided to help students plan their next steps and how to take them. Within Design Technology, Assessment for Learning is underpinned by the notion that every student can improve by evaluation, discussion and consultation.

Homework and Behaviour

Within the Technology Department, workshop sessions are offered twice a week - all students are welcome to attend. These sessions are supervised by staff and offer the opportunity for students to use the facilities for project work; some students prefer to develop their own interests. These sessions can also be used by students who are falling behind with coursework.

High standards of student behaviour are expected at all times.

Marking and Assessment Policies

These follow whole-school guidelines. Key Stage 3 students are tracked electronically throughout the carousel system.

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