Embedded Files
This year we have made some changes to our KS3 curriculum, through years 7-9 students will experience two units per year; a food technology unit, which will allow them the skills to progress to GCSE Food & Nutrition and then a longer, multi skilled, mixed material DT unit to embed the needed skills for either GCSE Design & Technology or GCSE Engineering. We have had a fantastic start to the 2024 academic year and the KS3 students have demonstrated excellent inquiry and analysis skills and are all now well under way with their manufacture of their chosen outcomes.
Year 7 story bag
Year 7 story bag
In the Design unit year sevens are currently working on a carousel to allow them to manufacture the three required parts of the story bag; these year sevens have been using CAD, specifically 2D design to import, vectorise and simplify images ready to be laser cut in plywood. Other groups have been gaining workshop skills and confidence, working with either timber and various hand tools or dying, printing or sewing their calico bags.
Year 8
Year 8
The groups who have been on the Food rotation have been learning to cook for others; taking in to consideration dietary needs and alternative ingredient selection.
They have built upon their year 7 skills up and ended the topic with making their own pizza. Some have been experimenting with gluten free flour and vegetarian options.
Year 9 Sweet dispenser
Year 9 Sweet dispenser
Students have had to learn to read and interpret a range of engineering drawings to help plan the manufacture of the basic components of their sweet dispenser.
They have then had to execute the manufacture independently using a wide range of processes. We have seen some excellent peer on peer support in this project and a good transference of prior knowledge and experience.
Year 10 Design Technology
Year 10 Design Technology
Students are working their way through a series of advanced skills booster projects, whilst creating GCSE style work in preparation for year 11. They are currently learning various ways of communicating their design ideas.
Year 10 Engineering
Year 10 Engineering
Our Engineers have completed their induction for the course and are now embarking on the first unit of controlled assessment. Thus far they have demonstrated excellent practical skills and are very motivated to achieve.
Year 10 Food & Nutrition
Year 10 Food & Nutrition
Have been building upon their KS3 knowledge and applying this in their practical lessons to make some enjoyable dishes. Most recently we have spent the past two lessons making our own lasagne which they have adapted for themselves and their families.
Year 11
Year 11
Students are all working on their coursework projects.
Design Technology students are modelling their ideas with the intention of developing them to be able to manufacture their prototypes in the new year.
Engineering students will need to complete their unit two controlled assessment by the 20th January 2025. All students are currently developing their Computer Aided Design skills through the use of Google Sketchup. After the deadline students will begin revising for their exam in May. Revision resources are already on the Google Classroom to support all student
Food & Nutrition students are working on their coursework developing their practical skills to prepare them for their final practical exam in March.
Do please keep encouraging them to use the given revision materials at home - most revision materials can be found on each Google Classroom.
Post 16 Engineering
Post 16 Engineering
Year 12 Engineering students have made a great start to their studies. They are currently working on their unit two controlled assessment, Engineering Processes as a Team. Students are working in groups to develop a design concept to then manufacture a small batch of products. Year 13 students are currently preparing for their unit one and three exams in January - revision materials can be accessed on the Google Classroom.
We are hoping to visit the new Caterham headquarters next year.
Santa Sleigh Design Competition
Santa Sleigh Design Competition
We also had some festive fun with a design competition for students to design Santa a sleigh for 21st Century, we had some great entries.
Students were able to use any media to communicate their design
Author:
Mrs Coules - Coordinator of Learning for Design and Technology
Page updated
Report abuse