The Whitstable
School

Design and Technology

"The details are not the details. They make the design." - Charles Eames:

“Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless.”  Thomas Edison

“Technology made large populations possible; large populations now make technology indispensable.”  Joseph Wood Krutch

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils will design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Pupils will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, you develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and wellbeing of the nation.

GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. A Level Product Design will help to build upon and strengthen the skills and knowledge learnt at GCSE whilst encouraging more independent thinking and freedom to explore and develop ideas.

Key Stage 3

Pupils will experience a wide range of projects, working with a variety of materials, processes and equipment. During the ‘design process’, pupils will be able to develop and use the following skills:

  • Thinking and listening
  • Problem solving
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Research and planning
  • Practical

Each project within KS3 is designed to give students an opportunity to explore either a design brief, investigating a client's wants and needs or solving a real life problem. The use of CAD is also integrated within the projects, using a range of different software: Focus Learning 2D Design, TinkerCAD and Onshape.

Key Stage 4

Pupils continue to develop their skills in Design and Technology, they will have the opportunity to explore a range of projects using a variety of different materials, which will be supported with theory. Projects are thoughtfully set out to include elements of the NEA to ensure they feel supported during the coursework. The NEA is the coursework element of the course, it is a contextual challenge based on the iterative process.

The use of ICT is promoted through research, design and development, with the opportunity of using Focus Learning 2D Design, Onshape and Blender.

Pupils who progress onto AQA GCSE Design and Technology will study:

  • Core technical principles
  • Specialist technical principles
  • Designing and making principles.

How it is assessed:

  • NEA - 50% of GCSE
  • Paper - 50% - 2 hour

Course studied:

AQA GCSE (9-1) Design & Technology - 8552

Useful links:

 

Key Stage 5

A new course to 2025, A-Level Product Design helps to support and develop skills and knowledge learnt at GCSE but increasing independent thinking, creativity and innovation. Students will explore three mini projects in year 12, focusing on previous designers, inclusivity, sustainability and upcycling. This will encourage students to think outside the box and take risks in their ideas. Like the GCSE, the A Level has a NEA but it is a completely open challenge, giving students more freedom to explore any issue or solution they wish to solve.

Pupils who progress onto AQA GCSE Design and Technology will study:

  • Technical principles
  • Design and making principles

How it is assessed:

  • NEA - 50%
  • Paper 1 - 30% - 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Paper 2 - 20% - 1 hour and 30 minutes

Course studied:

AQA Design and Technology: Product Design - 7552

Useful links:

Mrs A Newton - Subject Leader of Design and Technology (tws_admin@swale.at

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