Design and Technology

Curriculum Team Leader

Mr J Andrews (j.andrews@tgs.starmat.uk)

Introduction

In Design and Technology students combine practical, technological and artistic skills with creative thinking to design and make products, graphics and systems that meet human needs. Students will gain experience in using tools and machinery, computer aided design, computer aided manufacture, electronics and graphics using specialist software from the Adobe Suite. We promote creativity, flair and originality and we encourage all students to take risks and push the boundaries using authentic design processes.

Key Stage 3

KS3 Design & Technology Curriculum 2024

Year 7
Students will undertake a range of design and make activities, in these activities they will be assessed on their ability to research, design, develop and manufacture products. The content of the year is as follows:

  • Health and safety
  • Electronic Door Hanger
  • Roller Coaster – working with materials to create an imaginative desk tidy
  • Typography project
  • Iconic Photoshop project

Year 8
Students will continue to undertake a range of design and make activities, in these activities they will be assessed on their ability to research, design, develop and manufacture products. The content of the year is as follows:

  • Health and safety
  • Wacky Racer – Electronic systems and foam modelling project
  • Onshape 3D Design (CAD/CAM)
  • Ocean recycled bottle cap project

Year 9
Students will undertake a range of design and make activities that will prepare them for GCSE, in these activities they will be assessed on their ability to research, design, develop and manufacture products. The content of the year is as follows:

  • 3D sketching and rendering
  • A night at the cinema (photoshop project)
  • Wearable fantasy (pewter casting project)
  • 3D artist inspired lantern

Key Stage 4

GCSE Graphics
This GCSE leads on from the Design Technology curriculum covered throughout Key Stage 3 in that learners will research, design, develop and create a variety of graphics outcomes for a range of purposes such as games design, digital design, fashion and branding, communication design and more. It will allow learners to focus on developing their design and making skills through a wide variety of industry software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign while also using practical materials and processes to create physical outcomes. The course will develop students’ understanding of the creative design process which can be applied to many different disciplines ensuring that they are able to adapt to both design and practical problem solving. Students will have the opportunity to take on live briefs with industry and understand the importance of the creative journey which will prepare them for further study and employment in design related fields.

Learners will study how existing graphic designers produce art work and ideas to develop new products while also communicating messages. Students will develop skills in 2D and 3D CAD/CAM (Illustrator, Photoshop, 2D Design, Onshape) and will have the opportunity to produce physical outcomes using laser cutting, 3D printing and sublimation printing while also 2D printed graphics.

GCSE (3D) Product Design
This GCSE leads on from the Design Technology covered throughout Key Stage 3 in that learners will research, design, develop and create functional prototypes and final products. It will allow learners to focus on developing their design and making skills through a wide variety of materials and processes and showing a creative journey. The course will develop students understanding of the creative design process which can be applied to many different disciplines ensuring that they are able to adapt to both design and practical problem solving. Students will understand the importance of the creative journey not only final outcomes which will prepare them for further study and employment in design related fields. Learners will study how products are  designed, developed and manufactured using a range of specialist materials and processes such as laser cutting, metal casting, 3D printing, vacuum forming and traditional machines and hand tools. Learners will have the opportunity to complete practical outcomes throughout the course, and work creatively, applying their technical and practical expertise.

Exam Body: Eduqas – Course Breakdown: 60% NEA (coursework) 40% Externally Set Assignment (10 hour practical exam at the end)

GCSE Electronics
This specification (eduqas Electronics) has been designed to encourage candidates to be able to design and make quality electronic products with creativity, originality and flair using a wide range of electronic components. It encourages learners to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, electronics and to recognise its importance in their own lives and in today’s technological society.
Component 1: Discovering Electronics Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualification
Component 2: Application of Electronics Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualification
Component 3: Extended system design and realisation task Non-exam assessment 20% of qualification

BTEC Tech Award in Creative Media Production

Key Stage 4 Overview (Creative Media)

The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the: development of key skills that prove your aptitude in creative media production such as investigating and developing ideas through pre-production, production and post-production of media products process that underpins effective ways of working in creative media production, such as responding to briefs and feedback, planning and generating ideas attitudes that are considered most important in creative media production, including personal management and communication knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as production processes and techniques.

Unit 1 Exploring Media Products
Unit 2 Developing Digital Media Production Skills
Unit 3 Create a Media Product in Response to a Brief

Key Stage 5

A Level Graphic Communication (AQA)

When you think of graphic design, you may think of creative advertisements, eye-grabbing graphics on websites, stunningly arranged spreads in magazines. While these examples
certainly are graphic design there are many more, such as: posters, infographics, book covers, packaging, logos, business cards, signs, website layouts, video game graphics,
mobile apps, visual interfaces. Graphic designers use images and text to convey messages and meaning, this A level Graphic Communication course allows you to explore areas such as advertising,
illustration, branding and information design. You will use a wide range of traditional non digital techniques and learn specialist industry software including Photoshop, Illustrator
and InDesign, using these programmes to explore image manipulation, vector graphics and layout design.

Exam Body: Eduqas – Course Breakdown: 60% NEA (coursework) 40% Externally Set Assignment (15 hour practical exam at the end)

Progression Opportunities
This qualification is designed to support progression to employment or a university course
in the area of graphics, the following are a few examples:
Apprenticeship – design assistant, trainee technical illustrator, desktop publishing assistant,
technical illustrator, junior graphic designer.
Degree courses – Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Illustration, Information and
Interface Design, Advertising Design, Web Design, Games Design.
Employment opportunities in the Graphic Design sector are high.