Technology
The Technology Curriculum Area is well organised, forward-thinking and practically based. Students are able to further develop their understanding of the design industry from hands-on interaction with modern processes (i.e. 3D printing, laser cutting, thermo printing, and computer aided design) and materials (i.e. neoprene, polymorph). We are firmly committed to improving all that we do and invite you to take a further look at what we have to offer.
Technology Key Stage 3
What can students do to develop their skills in this subject area?
Our students are encouraged to take on more accountability for their own learning to support development of key independent learning skills required of them as they begin their Design and Technology journey.
- Attend the extra-curricular clubs which run in the Curriculum Area - KS3 Technology Club.
- Keep a scrap book of things that inspire them in terms of Design and Technology.
- Make technology items at home, or in a suitable craft setting.
What websites could students visit to support the curriculum?
www.mistermaker.com
www.bbc.co.uk/education
www.technologystudent.com
Technology Key Stage 4
What can students do to develop their skills in this subject area?
Our students are encouraged to take on more accountability for their own learning to support development of key independent learning skills required of them in Further Education or Employment.
- Enter Young Designer competitions
- Keep a design inspiration sketch/scrap book for D&T – collect images of interesting product ideas/themes/new technologies; research designers (past and present) and influential companies to help build a wider knowledge in addition to class work.
- Keep track of industry led exhibitions – expos, product launches (Apple, Samsung, etc.) – keep a record in your scrap book; does this happen yearly or one offs? This will help build your industry knowledge especially if there are career possibilities.
- Create your own Design Portfolio – create your own briefs or use any of the following:
- Next are looking for an innovative range of lighting for their children's bedroom range. Using the theme of Space, create several designs that could be sold by Next.
- A restaurant is improving their outdoor seating area and want to commission a table and chair set that is individual to them and reflects their surroundings (this will include a water garden and decorative lighting. They are very ethical and are keen to make sure that the design is sustainable.
- All Saints are looking to expand their range of clothing to include Children's wear – using their key on-edge style, design a range of Children's wear that is both in-keeping with their style yet age-appropriate.
- You are applying to an Art College to study Fashion – design a range of one-off pieces that show your talent and creativity.
What wider reading can be completed to support the curriculum?
Resistant Materials:
- The Journal of Sustainable Product Design.
- www.t3.com - (Gadget magazine).
- www.futureplc.com - (cutting edge technology magazines).
What websites could students visit to support the curriculum?
Resistant Materials:
www.technologystudent.com
www.design-technology.org
www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology
www.designmuseum.org
How can parents/carers help and what can be done at home?
- Take an active interest in your son's or daughter's project work.
- Allow them to practise their skills if you have access to a workshop environment at home or with extended family.
- Provide opportunities to visit a wide range of museums, art galleries, exhibitions, etc.
- Including them in everyday shopping activities – clothes shopping (looking at fibre content); conscientious shopping – asking questions 'Why is that so inexpensive?' Check labels for countries of manufacture - 'Do you think their workers get paid much?' Looking at product packaging in the supermarket questioning 'Is it necessary?' 'How could you improve that?'
- Investigate exhibitions such as the Great British Sewing Bee Live: www.thegreatbritishsewingbeelive.com
- Investigate The British Style Collective (the old clothes show live): www.britishstylecollective.com
