Design and Technology
Design and Technology at Samuel Ryder Academy aims to prepare students to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. They learn to use current technologies and reflect on the impact of future technological developments. They also learn to think creatively and design to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team.
They develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world. Students work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback. They will gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries and develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and the exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of users and clients.
KS1 & KS2
Design and Technology in KS1&2 is closely linked to the themes and topic the students work on each term in each year group.
The students aim to complete one Design and Technology Project per term. These projects give the students an opportunity to develop their understanding of the topic they are currently working on through a creative and problem-solving outlet. Students get to build on previous skills, each term that passes, as each of the projects they complete aim to stretch and challenge their skills and creativity.
The students also develop personal skills such as creativity, ability to exploring ideas, working with different materials and equipment, exploration of the topic and teamwork. The projects and skills that they work through in KS2 prepares them to have a good understanding of Design and Technology moving upwards into KS3.
KS3
The subject is taught from Year 7 through to Year 8, where in Year 9 they can opt to study the subject in greater depth, having more time in the subject. Throughout their time from Year 7-9 the students will design and make a variety of products that they can use in the real world, this process will be recorded in a sketchbook. During these projects they cover a variety of designing skills, knowledge and making skills; this will also enable them to explore their creativity, individuality and make them feel proud of what they achieve. Students also learn a variety of practical skills, with a hands-on approach to practice techniques, moving towards excelling in them. Students will use a variety of tools and equipment that allow them to produce their ideas for the real world. Sometimes it is necessary for the students to develop prototypes and this can be done through modelling and also using machines like a 3D printer and Laser Cutter. Many of the practical skills will help them in later life even if they do not pursue a further role in Design. However, if they enjoy and excel at a hands-on approach to a subject, allowing them to show their flair and individuality then the practical side of this subject is clearly important.
KS4
In Year 10 and 11, the students will have opted to study this subject as a GCSE. During these two years student will build upon the knowledge gained in Year 7-9, in preparation for the final exam in year 11. In Year 10 students will produce 2/3 main projects and possible 2/3 smaller projects. These projects will cover a range of making and designing skills and also building on previous knowledge. Across these projects, the students will produce a portfolio of design work, showing research, designing, investigation and evaluation skills to name a few. Within the practical element they will focus on suitability of materials, quality of manufacture techniques and quality of the overall finish to name a few.
In Year 11 the students will undertake one main project that includes a portfolio of work which covers the design processes similar to the work completed in Year 10. It also will include a final practical that has been designed, developed and built to a high-quality finish. Both the practical and portfolio is worth an overall 50% of the final grade, the exam is then worth the final 50% and comprises of a mixture of knowledge-based questions and designing questions. Preparation and revision for this will be ongoing from Year 10 into Year 11.
Beyond GCSE
At KS5 students study A Level Product Design, this course is following the WJEC board and Specification. At KS5 the students will be rapidly moving on their skills, understanding and knowledge developed at KS4. The students work through a few small projects and concepts in year 12 and a major project in year 13 that are aimed to develop their personal skills in areas such as successfully working independently, understanding the design process, exploring their unique design style, working together as a team, giving productive and critical feedback, problem solving techniques, communicating ideas, presentation skills and being innovative designers.
The student's complete year 12 by working on a major project, that starts with a real client identifying the problem, producing a portfolio of work, a final prototype or concept model and a verbal presentation.
Year 13 is working on one major project for the entire year, the work for this starts in the summer holiday before year 13 begins. The students start by working to identify a real client of their choice, who helps them to work through solving a real problem, from which they create a portfolio of work and manufacture a prototype or concept. This project is largely worked on independently, directed in its progress by themselves and outcomes produced within a time limit. The students will then be required to present their final portfolio and manufactured piece in an exhibition to be moderated and assessed. To complete the A Level, students will sit an exam paper that will test them on some areas decided upon by WJEC, from their experiences, understanding and knowledge of Product Design.
Wider Curriculum Opportunities and Careers
Careers in a Design context are very vast and some areas do overlap. When we think of a career in Design maybe the first that comes to mind is that of a Product Designer. But that is not the case. Careers in Design can be across multiple areas and disciplines such as
- Architecture
- Structural Engineer
- Fashion Design
- Furniture Design
- Stage Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Automotive Designer
- Engineering and many more exciting future careers
What the subject also offers is transferrable personal, learning and thinking skills that are really important in many careers. The subject of Product Design can make you better at:
- Teamwork
- Organising tasks and yourself
- Problem solving in a creative and innovative way.
- Manual dexterity /Co-ordination Needed in fine procedures.
- Independence
- Individuality
- Communication skills
- Presentation skills
Upon completion of this course, students will be qualified to go on to further study, embark on an apprenticeship or full-time career in any number of some of the Design areas mentioned above.
