DT KS3 2022-2023

KS3 Design & Technology

The Design and Technology Association (DATA) Progression framework provides the foundations for KS3 Design and Technology (DT). The areas that we focus on in KS3 DT are Research, Design, Make, and Evaluate.

These allow pupils to transition into KS4 if they chose to pursue DT at GCSE. Throughout DT we use an iterative approach to designing and problem solving. This enables our students to prepare for the demands of the KS4 syllabus and equally the development of their creative and independent problem-solving skills.

There is an underpinning drive to encourage the iterative design process whereby the solution to a problem is derived from trial and testing and feedback based upon a specific target market. A broad approach to the subject is required where students demonstrate their understanding of the impact of design and products on society, the economy and the environment. Based on this, Design and Technology at KS3 at our school is increasingly a design solution focus, based on solving a contextual realworld issue. Students are encouraged as much as possible, to use new and emerging technologies, as a way to problem solve.

In each year of KS3 pupils study one module of food, one module of design and technology and one module of textiles until Year 9 when students have a double rotation of Food and Nutrition. This is done by rotating teaching sets into specialist rooms approximately every 18 lessons during the year. The teaching modules are designed to develop knowledge, design skills and making skills year on year until the end of KS3 at the end of year 9.

In order to undertake the work, your child will need the following equipment: A calculator Basic drawing equipment, including: a ruler drawing pencil and drawing pens (biros will do) a pencil sharpener eraser fine black outlining pens colouring pencils pencil case

Design and Technology Throughout KS3 pupils are challenged to solve real life design problems by designing and making realistic solutions, which they can create in imaginative ways. Within the work pupils will design to a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Their design and making outcomes will consider health and the environment. They will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw upon disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. The wide range of topic areas will provide opportunities for varied approaches to their making and provide them with experiences of different making processes including CAD and CAM. Design and Technology in year 7: Pupils will begin by completing an introduction into the workshop and learning how to safely use the different tools and equipment. This rotation comprises of a chair design project, which is influenced by the design movements and ergonomics.

Design and Technology in year 8: Pupils will start to develop their computer aided design skills through the use of CAD (TinkerCAD). This project is based on the issue of climate change and ever-growing population and how we could design structures in and on the ocean. Pupils will look at materials and new technologies which could be possibly used to achieve this. They will further develop their workshop skills during the later stages of this project. During this project, pupils will work in pairs to design and develop their ideas, which they will present to the class at the end of their rotation.

Design and Technology in year 9: This rotation is based around a lamp design project, where pupils will focus their design and ideas on sustainability. This will be achieved through looking at where materials come from, how they are processed and disposal. They will also look at how products can be made more sustainable through maintenance to reduce the planned obsolescence of products. This project will also help pupils to understand more precise manufacturing methods.