Technology

​Throughout KS3 students develop the essential Design and Technology skills of designing, making and evaluation while acquiring technical knowledge. Students in year 7,8 and 9 spend a term and a half studying Food or Design Technology, then rotate the second part of the school year. Over the course of the 3 year period they will visit each area once a year.

What do students study?

In Design Technology students are introduced to a large variety of workshop skills using the Resistant Materials such as wood, metal and plastics. The projects are comprised of a combination of electronics, mechanisms and structures. These projects are finished using the presentation techniques.  Students complete a range of different projects which are of quality finish and function.  Computer Aided Design CAD/CAM, is also explored in technology and students are encouraged to use Iterative Design, the process of constant evolution and improvement, when solving design problems.  This is a broad and varied course equipping students with the core skills to follow GCSE Design Technology in KS4.
 
Food is an exciting and rewarding subject. Students learn how to select a nutritious diet and achieve a healthy lifestyle in line with current government guidelines.  At the same time, they will learn the skills which will enable them to make a wide range of delicious dishes.  They will also acquire an understanding of food safety and hygiene, how to prepare, cook and present dishes and these are valuable lessons which they will use throughout their lives. This course prepares students for the GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition option in KS4.  Dishes produced include:

​Year 7: Fruit salad, Scones, Apple Crumble, Soup, Pasta Bake, Healthy Breakfast Muffins.
Year 8: Bread, Pizza, Chilli con carne, Pasties, Cheesecake, Quiche Swiss roll, Fish Cakes.
Year 9: Chicken curry, Risotto, Bakewell tart, Lasagne, Choux pastry, Lemon meringue pie.

How are students assessed?
In Key Stage 3 students are assessed on their practical capabilities as well as their knowledge and understanding of the materials and processes used in each area. Assessment is done throughout the course using teacher, peer and self-assessment.  There are many assessment opportunities throughout each term and summative grades are collected twice during each term/project.  Students should always be able to articulate their current rate of progress and, more importantly, what they must do to further improve and progress.
When designing and making students are assessed in their ability to design, make, evaluate and in their technical knowledge.

Contact Alison Kirsch, Head of Technology for further information: