D&T Parent Toolkit

At KS3 students will attend 3 D&T lessons over two weeks; 1 term of Food, 1 term of Textiles and 1 term of Resistant & compliant materials. The lessons will cover both theory and practical elements of the subject. At the end of each term students will take an end of module test. These test are designed to not be overly stressful and will cover the aspects of the topics they have just completed. In addition, four other assessments are carried through the module which link to our school STAR values. Each assessment is 20 marks and in total 100 marks for each topic.

At KS4 students will attend 5 D&T lessons over two weeks; 1 theory lesson and 4 lessons that we be focused on coursework. Student must have in depth knowledge of at least one materials category:

• Papers and boards (flyers/leaflets and card based food packaging).

• Timber based materials (traditional timber children’s toys and flat pack furniture).

• Textile based materials (sportswear and furnishings).

The coursework and 1 hour 45 mins written exam are equally weighted 50% each

At KS5 students will attend 10 lessons over two weeks and will study the principles of design and technology and they will also produce a series of design and make projects, providing evidence through a portfolio of work. During year 13 students will work on an Independent Design and Make Project and will also sit a 2 hour 30 minute exam. These are both equally weighted at 50% each.

Parents can help students by:

• Taking an interest in what the students are making. Ask them about their ideas and the materials and processes they have used. Have a look at their D&T classcharts and Google Classroom.

• Go to ☰ at the top of this page and check out a videos, competition or an exhibition to visit.

• Refer to the keywords in their visual diaries

• Remind students to bring to school the basic equipment; pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, pencil sharpener, colour pencils, fine liner.

• Download the free software or access it through the app or remote dashboard on your computer at home and encourage students to practise using it (see "free software" above). There is also a link to free courses.

• Include students in DIY projects at home.

Parents can help the D&T department by:

• If you have knowledge of the design industry offer to get involved with our "Dare to know talks".

• If you work in the manufacturing/design industry and could donate any materials such as card, acrylic sheets, rolls of vinyl, plywood, hardwood etc

• If you have contact with any business that designs or manufactures products who are happy for a school to visit please get in touch.