Design Technology
Subject Leader: Mrs Anna Cormack
anna.cormack@queenkatherine.org
Design Technology at QKS
We aim to equip students with the expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world by:
- developing practical, creative and technical skills and knowledge through the varied projects studied
- building and applying a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
- critiquing, evaluating and testing their ideas and products and the work of others
The department helps students to develop their imagination and creativity across a wide range of technology disciplines within superbly well-equipped specialist rooms. Students work with a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal and plastic.
Key Stage 3
Students develop fundamental design skills, technical skills (using appropriate tools and machinery), material knowledge and appreciation of environmental impact.
As they reach Year 9, students will have gained a high level of skill in each discipline together with core knowledge and practical ability to make an informed decision for their key stage 4 options.
In Year 7, students design and create: a wooden jewellery box, a piece of metal jewellery and a mini acrylic torch. In Year 8, students learn about forces and stresses in our ‘Structures Project’ as well as designing and creating a clock and night light. If students chose to take Design Technology in Year 9, they will create an MP3 amp, money box and metal coat hook.
Year 9 Creative Core Design Technology
Key Stage 4
GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness of, 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. Our GCSE allows students to study core technical, designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth.
Exam board:
AQA GCSE Design Technology
GCSE Design Technology Specification
Enrichment
- Arkwright Scholarship
- Annual participation in the Rotary competition
- STEM workshops
