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Design and Technology

“Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future."

Context

In an era where technology drives and influences the world, it is important that pupils leaving Deptford Green School are prepared for the technological demands they may encounter. Environmental responsibilities together with developments in social media and design software, as well as advances in materials and manufacturing, have presented exciting new challenges and opportunities. Creative thinking implemented through practical endeavour has proven a winning formula in an increasingly broad-spectrum employment arena. Globally, pupils are being prepared for a variety of professions, many of which have not yet evolved.

Of one key element we can be sure: they will all use technology. The Design and Technology Department aims to equip pupils with the technological and creative skills required to thrive in the modern workplace.

Classroom Activities and Enrichment

Students will experience a range of activities and assessments inside and outside of the classroom. Students will be required to work as an individual as well as part of a team when completing class and homework. These will be based around core areas of the subject and will include tasks and activities that link to:

  • Identifying requirements
  • Implications of wider issues
  • Material considerations
  • Manufacturing processes and techniques
  • Visits to specialist companies/organisations
  • Learning from existing products and practice
  • Design thinking and communication
  • Technical understanding
  • Viability of design solutions
  • Working in house with outside specialists

The department runs a D&T club every week that is led by the head of department and/or technician. The aim is to focus on short enjoyable individual and group activities, that focus on promoting the learning of Design and Technology and LORIC system at Deptford Green.

Visits to the Design, Science, and Victoria & Albert Museums are all included in curriculum visits through KS3/4, as well as local visits around the area and other communities in London when researching or looking for inspiration.

KS3

The curriculum will progress through the KS3 groups, offering a variety of creative activities. These are made up of both practical and theory activities, which focus on different aspects of the design process. Students are taught a vast range of skills such as analysing and evaluating skills, drawing techniques, working with CAD/CAM, learning how to program Lego robotics and Micro-bit controllers, as well as working with different materials, tools and machinery (traditional and to-date).

This enables them to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the iterative process of designing and making at KS4.

KS4

At KS4 students will be lead through the iterative design process using a series of bespoke projects designed by the department. Once completed they then will move on to completing a practice run of their final controlled assessment before going on to complete final assessment tasks and examination.

To underpin learning, a wide range of resources are used to facilitate and enthuse students’. We have a robust selection of design programs and equipment that helps to make learning varied and meaningful to the real world. We actively use online resources such as GCSEPod, Quizlet and Technologystudent.com to help facilitate and consolidate learning.