Technology Teachers

Vision of Subject

Our vision is that through the teaching of design and technology, our children will learn how to:

Manage and control risks, work safely with a variety of tools and materials, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.

Learn by doing.

Statement of Intent

The Design and Technology curriculum at Kirkby High School is an inspiring practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Students will work with a variety of materials including Food, Textiles and Resistant Materials. Students are encouraged to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they 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 resilience, creativity, culture, wealth and well-being.

KS3

At Key Stage 3 students are taught in mixed ability groups for 1 hour per week. They rotate each term to cover 3 subject areas namely Product Design, Textiles and Food Technology.

Students will receive termly homework challenges linked to the learning in the classroom.

At Key Stage 4 these subjects form part of the options process and can be selected by students to study up to GCSE level.

KS4

At Key Stage 4 Students can opt to study one or more of the following subjects. They will be taught in mixed ability groups for 3 hours per week.

GCSE Design Technology, AQA Specification code 8552

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, AQA Specification code 8585

Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering, WJEC 601/7703/2.

Students will be awarded a grade 9-1 following their GCSE examinations in the summer of Year 11.

The Hospitality and Catering students will receive a level 1/2 award in the subject.

Assessments to track pupil progress are set regularly throughout each half term to highlight areas of strength and identify room for development. Feedback is directly linked to the relevant qualification criteria.

Throughout their time at Kirkby High School, students in Design and Technology are taught the following key skills:

To identify, investigate and outline design possibilities that address needs and wants.

To design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose.

To analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including prototypes made by themselves and others.

To demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of technical principles and designing and making principles.

To understand wider issues, including sustainability and environmental issues that link to the subject.

Overview of the Technology Curriculum

The topics students cover throughout Key Stage 3 and 4 are outlined in the link below:

Technology Curriculum Overview

Links to GCSE Exam Board Specifications

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/food/gcse/food-preparation-and-nutrition-8585

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552

https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/hospitality-and-catering/

Additional Information

Interventions

Revision sessions

Homework support

Trips