Design and Technology

Why we teach Design and Technology

Design and Technology is a practical and valuable subject. It enables children and young people to actively contribute to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of themselves, their community and their nation. It teaches how to take risks and so become more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable.

Students develop a critical understanding of the impact of design and technology on daily life and the wider world. Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities for students to develop and apply value judgements of an aesthetic, economic, moral, social, and technical nature both in their own designing and when evaluating the work of others.

Design and Technology at Melbourn Village College builds on the skills and knowledge students have already learnt at primary school. It leverages increasingly sophisticated resources, including dedicated teaching environments, manufacturing equipment and specialist teaching. As students progress through this phase, they may be given the opportunity to focus on specific aspects of the subject such as product design, engineering, systems and control, electronics and graphics. However, at its core is creativity and imagination. Students learn to design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. To do this effectively, they will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on additional disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.

Overview of content

Through a variety of highly creative and practical activities, the students will be taught the knowledge, understanding and the skills needed to engage in the process of Designing and Making. The projects this year will include wood, plastics, and metals and some of the skills required to create with these materials.

The department has a rotation system. The students will spend half the year in Technology and the other half of the year in Food (and vice versa).

Yr 7 Programme of Study

Half term	Topics studied	How will this be assessed
Autumn - 1	Health & Safety Technical Drawing Oblique and Isometric Plastics – making of an acrylic key ring Metals – making of a mild steel key ring. Wood – Making of a model boat using Softwood and Hardwood	Test Assessment and Testing
Autumn - 2		Assessment and Testing
Spring - 1		Assessment and Testing
Spring - 2	Health & Safety Technical Drawing Oblique and Isometric Plastics – making of a key ring Metals – making of a key ring Wood – making of a model boat Softwood and Hardwood	Test Assessment and Testing
Summer - 1		Assessment and Testing
Summer - 2		Assessment and Testing

Yr 8 Programme of Study

Half term	Topics studied	How will this be assessed
Autumn - 1	Health & Safety Technical Drawing Oblique, Isometric, 1pt and 2pt Perspective. Plastics – Making of a Mobile Phone holder using CAD / CAM. Wood – making of the base for the phone holder. Wood – Making of Mechanical Toy, use of different mechanisms to make a moving toy.	Test Assessment and Testing
Autumn - 2		Assessment and Testing
Spring - 1		Assessment and Testing
Spring - 2	Health & Safety Technical Drawing Oblique, Isometric, 1pt and 2pt Perspective. Plastics – Making of a Mobile Phone holder using CAD / CAM. Wood – making of the base for the phone holder. Wood – Making of Mechanical Toy, use of different mechanisms to make a moving toy.	Test Assessment and Testing
Summer - 1		Assessment and Testing
Summer - 2		Assessment and Testing

Yr 9 Programme of Study

Half term	Topics studied	How will this be assessed
Autumn - 1	Health & Safety PIC based project – Night Light – Engraved design/multifunctional light	Test Assessment and Testing
Spring - 1	Prodesktop Name Plaque design work. House Name Plaque part 1 – Plastics, Engraved design on Plastic	Assessment and Testing
Summer - 1	House Name Plaque part 2 - Wood, making of the base and assembled with first part	Assessment and Testing

Homework

Relevant homework will be set with each topic and will be assessed and graded. Homework will be weekly.

Learning outside the classroom

All students should be encouraged to read and practise the subjects.

By arrangement, with the relevant teachers, some days after school working may be available.

Parental support and extension

All students should be encouraged to read and practise the subjects.

There will be an opportunity to download a Drawing Programme called 2Ddesign and an Electronic simulation software called Circuit Wizard. These are free to download, but they only work on a PC (not an Apple or a Chromebook). These are very beneficial and very useful programmes for any student.

KS4 Design & Technology

At GCSE level there are two optional courses:

EDUQAS GCSE Design & Technology (603/1121/6)

Overview of content

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, learners will be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; and be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.

Programme of Study

Year	Half term	Topics studied; skills and knowledge	How this will be assessed
10	Autumn - 1	Electronic systems and programmable components / Materials (Thermosetting & thermoforming plastics)	Project 1, Class & HW Assessments
	Autumn - 2	Electronic systems and programmable components / Materials (Natural & manufactured timber)	Project 1, Class & HW Assessments
	Spring - 1	Smart materials / Materials (Ferrous & non-ferrous metals)	Project 2, Class & HW Assessments
	Spring - 2	Design and technology and our world / Materials (Fibres & textiles)	Project 3, Class & HW Assessments
	Summer - 1	Mechanical components and devices / Electronic systems, programmable components & mechanical devices	Project 4, Class & HW Assessments
	Summer - 2	Mechanical components and devices / Electronic systems, programmable components & mechanical devices	Project 4, Class & HW Assessments
11	Autumn - 1	Final Year Project start - (Research) Theory recap - Papers & boards / Design and technology and our world	Class & HW Assessments
	Autumn - 2	Final Year Project - (Ideas) Theory recap - Electronic systems, programmable components & mechanical devices	Class & HW Assessments
	Spring - 1	Final Year Project - (Final development / Make) Theory recap - . Natural & manufactured timber / Ferrous & non-ferrous metals	Class & HW Assessments
	Spring - 2	Final Year Project - (Make) Theory recap. Thermosetting & thermoforming plastics / Fibres & textiles	Class & HW Assessments
	Summer - 1	Final Year Project - (Evaluate) Revision – Past papers	Coursework and Practical Final Marking
	Summer - 2	Period of Formal Examinations

Homework

Homework will be set weekly until Year 11 where it is block HW (Research, Investigations, Design Specification, Initial Ideas, Design Development etc.). Further HW will be set but based on when certain revision topics are covered.

How it is assessed

Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century Written examination: 2 hours 50% of qualification A mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing candidates' knowledge and understanding of: • technical principles • designing and making principles along with their ability to • analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.

Component 2: Design and make task Non-exam assessment: approximately 35 hours 50% of qualification A sustained design and make task, based on a contextual challenge set by WJEC, assessing candidates' ability to: • identify, investigate and outline design possibilities • design and make prototypes • analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.

Learning outside the classroom

The workshop is available to practice skills and test construction techniques and electronic circuits.

Parental support and extension

Daydream Education support material

https://apps.daydreameducation.com/pocket-poster-revision-guides/gcse-dt/

Students will have their own login for this.

More information

Software that would be off use and can be downloaded are:

• Prodesktop
• Techsoft Design v3
• Circuit Wizard v3.5

WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Constructing the Built Environment (603/3068/5)

Overview of content

WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Constructing the Built Environment offers a learning experience that focuses learning for 14-19 year olds through applied learning, i.e. acquiring and applying knowledge, skills and understanding through purposeful tasks set in sector or subject contexts that have many of the characteristics of real work.

The course provides the opportunity for authentic work related learning, but more than this, it will require learners to consider how the use and application of their learning impacts on individuals, employers, society and the environment. The applied purpose will also enable learners to learn in such a way that they develop:

• skills required for independent learning and development
• a range of generic and transferable skills
• the ability to solve problems
• the skills of project based research, development and presentation
• the fundamental ability to work alongside other professionals, in a professional environment
• the ability to apply learning in vocational contexts.

Programme of Study

Year	Half term	Topics studied; skills and knowledge	How this will be assessed
10	Autumn - 1	Safety and security in construction. LO1 Know health and safety legal requirements for working in the construction industry LO2 Understand risks to health and safety in different situations Developing construction projects (intro to practical work - Electrical, Plumbing and Joinery)	Classroom and Homework based assessments, done weekly to actively reinforce work done in class. Observations of practical tasks and marked on construction grade scheme
	Autumn - 2	Safety and security in construction LO4 Know how risks to security are minimised in construction LO3 Understand how to minimise risks to health and safety Developing construction projects (practice elements of practical work - Electrical, Plumbing and Joinery)	Classroom and Homework based assessments, done weekly to actively reinforce work done in class. Observations of practical tasks and marked on construction grade scheme
	Spring - 1	Planning construction projects LO1 Know job roles involved in realising construction and built environment projects Developing construction projects (practice elements of practical work - Electrical, Plumbing and Joinery)	Classroom and Homework based assessments, done weekly to actively reinforce work done in class. Observations of practical tasks and marked on construction grade scheme
	Spring - 2	Planning construction projects LO2 Understand how built environment development projects are realised Develop write ups of practical work (Complete assignment sheets - Practice). Developing construction projects (practical work in a vocational context - Electrical, Plumbing and Joinery)	Classroom and Homework based assessments, done weekly to actively reinforce work done in class. Observations of practical tasks and marked on construction grade scheme
	Summer - 1	Planning construction projects LO3 Be able to plan built environment development projects Develop write ups of practical work (Complete assignment sheets - Practice). Developing construction projects (practical work in a vocational context - Electrical, Plumbing and Joinery)	Classroom and Homework based assessments, done weekly to actively reinforce work done in class. Observations of practical tasks and marked on construction grade scheme
	Summer - 2	Start write up on first assignment. Complete practical assessment Revise Safety and Security, Past paper exam style questions.	Graded in accordance with WJEC Marking and Grading Marks Feedback and corrections given
11	Autumn - 1	Start write up on second assignment. Complete practical assessment Revise Planning Construction projects, Past paper exam style questions.	Graded in accordance with WJEC Marking and Grading Marks Feedback and corrections given
	Autumn - 2	Revision for Mocks and extensive preparation for January exams for Unit 1 and 2	Past papers marked and feedback given
	Spring - 1	Start write up on third assignment. Complete practical assessment If required do first assignment again. Complete practical assessment for assignment.	Graded in accordance with WJEC Marking and Grading Graded in accordance with WJEC Marking and Grading
	Spring - 2	If required do second assignment again. Complete practical assessment for assignment. If required do third assignment again. Complete practical assessment for assignment	Graded in accordance with WJEC Marking and Grading. Graded in accordance with WJEC Marking and Grading
	Summer - 1	Revision for Mocks and extensive preparation for January exams for Unit 1 and 2 If able do any of the assignments again. Complete practical assessment for assignment.	Past papers marked and feedback given Graded in accordance with WJEC Marking and Grading
	Summer - 2	Period of Formal Examinations

Homework

Homework will be set weekly regarding Unit 1 and Unit 3.

How it is assessed

Unit 1: Safety and security in construction is externally assessed. Details of the external assessment are as follows:

Unit 3: Planning construction projects is externally assessed. Details of the external assessment are as follows:

• 60 minute (unit 1), 120 minutes (unit 3) examination
• total of 60 marks
• online assessment (audio enabled version available on request)
• short and extended answer questions, based on stimulus material and applied contexts
• each question will have an applied problem solving scenario
• each paper will assess all learning outcomes. Assessment criteria will be sampled in each series
• available in the summer of each year
• learners are allowed one re-sit opportunity. The highest grade will contribute towards the overall grade for the qualification
• WJEC will produce a mark scheme which will be used as the basis for marking the examination papers

Graded as Level 1 Pass, Level 2 Pass, Level 2 Merit and Level 2 Distinction.

Unit 2: Developing construction projects

Internally assessed through summative controlled assessments, graded the same as unit 1 and 3

Learning outside the classroom

The workshop is available every Wednesday after school for students to practice construction skills

Parental support and extension

information for unit 1 and 3 can be found at www.mvctech.co.uk/construction

More information

Practical activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant regulations that cover construction work. Students must display strict adherence to health & safety regulations (H&S Act) when undertaking practical assessments.

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