KS2 and KS3 Design and Technology

During KS3 pupils undertake a number of varied and exciting projects in their art and design and technology lessons. All students can expect to work with and learn about a broad range of materials such as woods, manufactured boards, plastics, Styrofoam and metals as well as using a number of ready-made components. 

In KS2, we use the Kapow Scheme of Work to support our understanding in both DT and Art. Students will also gain experience of industrial techniques such as CAD/CAM where possible in KS3.  Projects have been specifically designed to cover many areas so students gain maximum benefit from the subject.

Students are supported to participate in every stage of the design process. This can include learning activities such as researching, analyzing products, designing, developing ideas, modelling, planning, constructing, testing and evaluating. 

Students also have blocks of teaching and learning in Food & Nutrition, where they look at the principles of nutrition as well as learning the basic skills for them to successfully achieve a formal qualification at Key Stage four.  Much of the Food curriculum at Key Stage three is based on life skills and  personal development.

KS2 and KS3 Art and Design

Art and design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world around us. Our students use colour, form, texture, pattern, design and different materials (ceramics, glass, fabric etc.) and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. Students learn to make informed judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions, exploring ideas and meanings in the work of artists, craftspeople and designers. Art is particularly valuable for our students, not only in terms of building self confidence, but also to develop key fine motor skills and to explore emotions, for some pupils art can help them self regulate and our HLTA for Wellbeing is trained in the principles of art therapy to support this. 

At KS4 - GCSE Design and Technology, Photography and GCSE Food & Nutrition are available, as well as NCFE Level one or two qualifications.

Pupils are taught the technical aspects of photography as well as artistic processes like perspective, framing and pinhole photography. The GCSE is examined through a portfolio of their work examining their and other artists work in order to influence their own progression. This also has an internally examined component which will be through a timed portfolio element in Y11.

In GCSE Food and Nutrition, students spend year 10 acquiring both the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required in order to successfully undertake two pieces of controlled assessment as well as the final written examination.   One controlled assessment unit is based on an investigation into food properties, whilst the other concentrates on practical cookery skills.

In NCFE or ASDAN Food & Cookery award, students undertake a variety of practical and written tasks which make up a portfolio of evidence.  There is no written examination.