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At Guru Nanak Sikh Academy the Design and Technology Department (DT) is a growing department.  We have six members of staff who specialize in various areas of the subject. These are:

  • Engineering
  • Food Technology
  • Graphic Products
  • Product Design
  • Textiles Technology

Our workshops are well resourced, especially our new Engineering Room, where we have invested in new Centre Lathes, Milling Machine and a Laser Cutter (with a cutting bed size of more than an A0 sheet of paper).  In addition to this, the department has invested heavily in Bernina and Janome Sewing machines for the delivery of Textiles.

At the end of Year 9 all students have to choose a Design and Technology subject. In the Sixth Form, students can choose to further your studies by undertaking an A Level in Product Design:  Resistant Materials.

The department offers a variety of extracurricular activities include a textiles Club and the Craft Club.  Other extracurricular activities have included an Aston Martin Competition and Business and Enterprise Challenges.

Key Stage 3

In Year 7, students are introduced to the subject by covering basic skills in all of the specialisms:

  • Food Technology - Foundation Skills in Cooking
  • Engineering/Graphic Products/Products Design - Toy Car, Paper Gripper + Pewter Casting
  • Textiles Technology - Cushion Cover

The skills learnt in Year 7 are further developed in Year 8. Topics include:

  • Food Technology - Baking for fun
  • Engineering/Graphic Products/Products Design - Technical Drawing + Mobile Phone Holder
  • Textiles Technology - Pencil Case

In Year 9, students are given an insight to Key Stage 4 and complete two projects that involve focus tasks on practical skills and a holistic activity. 

  • Food Technology -World Foods
  • Engineering/Graphic Products/Products Design - Storage Box
  • Textiles Technology - Pajamas

Assessment

Informal assessments take place weekly in the Design and Technology Department.  Formal assessments are every half term and individual targets are set for each student to progress.

Key Stage 4

GCSEs are available in:

  • Engineering
  • Food Technology
  • Graphic Products
  • Product Design
  • Textiles Technology.

Studying Design and Technology will develop you as a creative problem solver.  In addition to this, you will:

be researching and evaluating products and processes, engaging in focussed practical tasks to develop ideas, planning and making your own unique designs using a combination of materials and computer aided design and manufacture.  It is a subject that requires you to develop many different skills as well as utilising skills from other subjects. 

  • Measure, calculate and estimate.  You need to gather and analyse data.  You need to consider options and justify decisions. 
  • Learn to work independently, as an individual, and in teams to communicate your ideas.
  • Combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, function, cultural, environmental and moral issues in order to design and make quality products in quantity. 

Design and Technology will suit anyone wishing to develop both their practical and theory skills as well as those considering a career in any area of designing or manufacturing.

All five specialisms will enable students to:

  • Combine their creative and practical skills with knowledge and understanding in order to  effectively design and make quality products,
  • Consider the effects and implications of technological activity,
  • Develop their Design and Technology capability through activities which involve a range of contexts, materials and processes which lead to practical results,
  • Have the opportunity to develop practical abilities and the confidence to design, make and modify products and systems for identified purposes.  In addition it trains them to select and use resources effectively.

Assessment

All five specialisms within Design and Technology have similar assessment criteria.  The subject is assessed through coursework and an end of course examination.  The coursework element of the qualification is worth 60% of the final mark, while the remaining 40% of marks is achieved from the end of course examination.

Coursework (60%):  Marks are divided as follows:

20% for the design folder

40% for making the product

The coursework is set from a range of projects compiled by the examination board.  Students are expected to undertake a project by working through the design process from start to finish.  Students are required to apply their knowledge, understanding, design and making skills to produce a quality product and a well presented design folder.

Examination (40%):  The examination will test the application of knowledge and understanding of materials, components, processes, techniques, technologies and the evaluation of commercial practice and products.  The paper will test all assessment objectives through two sections.  A pre-release sheet will provide candidates with information about a range of products that will be included in the test paper questions.  This examination paper is two hours in duration and it is not tiered.

Key Stage 5

Success in AS or A-level Design and Technology:  Resistant Materials is often down to a student’s enthusiasm and love of the subject, and a real commitment on their part to develop their individual talents in the subject. 

AS Level

The AS Level, completed in one year, comprises of two modules.

Unit 1:  Portfolio of Creative Skills (60%).

  • This is an internally set and marked by the department and moderated by Edexcel.
  • Students produce one portfolio that contains evidence o product investigation, product design and product manufacture.

Unit 2:  Industrial and Commercial Practice (40%).

  • The examination is an externally set and marked by Edexcel.
  • The duration of the exam is 90 minutes and is marked out of 70.

A2 Level

Unit 3:  Design and Technology in Practice (60%).

  • The examination is an externally set and marked by Edexcel.
  • The duration of the exam is 120 minutes and is marked out of 90.

Unit 4:  Designing for the Future (40%).

  • This is an internally set and marked by the department and moderated by Edexcel.
  • Students produce one portfolio which to design and make a product.  This is evidenced in your design folder with photographic evidence of you manufacturing the product and of the final product itself.

Please note that to be successful in this subject, you will need to dedicate some of your free time.  This could be during your PVT (Private Study Time) or after-school.