Design Technology Project Success

Mr Reeves reports on the highly productive Design Technology work of Key Stages Three and Four. The Design Technology workshop, as well as being a hub of practical activity, allows students to express themselves creatively and develop key team-working skills.

Key Stage Three - Year 7

Year 7 Have completed their acrylic stand project and have moved onto a smaller endeavour learning about the physical properties and characteristics of aluminum. I have been pleased to see students take real care and attention to get the best possible finish and listen to them comment positively on each other’s work as they progress.

Year 8

Year 8 have now completed the focussed practical part of their MP3 amplifier project and have tested the soldered circuit. It now remains for the product to be assembled with different adhesion methods, permanent and non-permanent fixings, with final sanding and painting to effect. It has been great to see students working together in small groups, helping each other to get work completed safely and accurately, demonstrating excellent teamwork.

Year 9

Year 9 have been working on their Horology project and have analysed lots of existing design products. As they progress through the Key Stage they are encouraged to be experimental in their work, drawing and designing outside of the normal expectations. The results have been highly creative and are now putting together their layer clock design in a mixed media format. I have been very impressed how the students are

Key Stage Four - Year 10

Year 10 Have completed multiple small projects involving mixed media and have been preparing to embark on their component 2 NEA project for their GCSE in Design and Technology. They have been developing investigation techniques ready to receive the Exam Board set contexts for examination in 2024.

Year 11

It is easy to imagine that the summer term is stressful for Year 11 with the impending deadlines to complete their practical projects. With essential end-of-project tasks to complete like corrections to surface finishes and double checking the accompanying written work, there is a time management challenge for Year 11. I am delighted to share that all students presented their projects on time and I am very proud of their achievements.