Design Technology (Materials Pathway)

Aim to give a broad and balanced experience of Technology through practical, theory, drawing and CAD based work. To develop and refine students’ understanding in technology based knowledge and skills, ready for the new rigors of KS4. To allow students to express creativity through design and making. To experience some form of practical work every lesson.

Students will gain knowledge in a range of materials including woods, polymers, metals, textiles, graphics and electronics. Course is broken down into 3 sections; A – Core Principles (this covers everything previously mentioned), B – Timbers (in depth knowledge and skill of timbers), C – Design (be able to design and make products). Knowledge and skills are delivered in year 10, NEA begins June 1st of year 10 and finishes in Feb of year 11. Exam prep after Feb until May.

The scheme of work is based in an order similar to the AQA specification outline to enable the information to be delivered to the correct time scale and to ensure students have a sound knowledge of what is required. Students will use year 10 to practice skills (both theory and practical) throughout alongside knowledge which are needed for the NEA section of the qualification. For example, written work will replicate that of NEA.

Half Term 1

Timbers
Practical: Mix of timber – Bird Box.
Theory: Timbers, selection of timbers, sources of timbers, stock forms of timbers and forces and stresses.

Half Term 2

Mechanical Devices
Practical: Metals – Chipping Hammer
Theory: Energy Generation, Mechanics, metals, textiles, boards, sources and stock forms, and designers.

Half Term 3

Designing
Practical: Design and Make a lamp – choice of materials
Theory: Polymers, Sources of Polymers, Stock forms of Polymers, Production AIDS

Half Term 4

Design Task + Materials
Practical: Design and Make a lamp – choice of materials
Theory: Energy Generation, prototyping, industry and sustainability.

Half Term 5

Design Task + Materials
Practical: Design and Make a lamp – choice of materials
Theory: Designers, work of others, Advanced machining skills

Half Term 6

NEA: Component 1 + 2
NEA: Research and specification
Theory: Enterprise, culture, critical evaluation,

Half Term 1

NEA: Component 3 + 4
NEA: Idea generation and development. Model making
Theory: Modern, smart and composite materials. Technical Textiles.

Half Term 2

NEA: Component 5
NEA: Prototype making
Theory: a systems approach to design.

Half Term 3

NEA: Component 5 + 6
NEA: Prototype making, testing and evaluation.
Theory: Production

Half Term 4

Materials
Theory: All material areas, CAD/CAM and Industry.

Half Term 5

Section C
Theory: Critical evaluation, exam structure.