Design and Technology

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Vision and Aims

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The Design and Technology Department at DVHS delivers a broad and creative curriculum that provides pupils with experiences across a range of subjects encompassing product and graphic design, computer aided design and manufacture, electronics, textiles, timbers, polymers and food and nutrition. 

Our aim is to inspire the designers and engineers of the future; equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for a world in which the client is key, technologies constantly improve and sustainability is fast becoming the primary focus in functional design. Pupils are expected to demonstrate resilience and an aptitude for problem solving as they learn about and apply design and construction processes across the key stages. 

 

Within Food and Nutrition our aim is to ensure that our students can make informed decisions in relation to their own health and that of those around them. Pupils develop their understanding of nutrition and dietary needs and increasingly apply this as they become competent in safely and confidently executing a range a range of predominantly savoury dishes. 

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KS3 Curriculum Overview (Design and Technology)

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Year 7: Timber: Automata 

This learning programme focuses on theoretical knowledge associated with motion and mechanisms, students will learn about different types of motions, levers and cams and what movements they create. Students will also learn the sources and properties of hardwood and softwood timber. Students will create a timber moving toy that encompasses finger and butt joints and will put into practice the motions and cams learnt through the learning programme. Students will use graphic design to create a background and character for their moving toy.  

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Year 7: Textiles: Mini Monster  

This learning programme focuses on the development of theoretical knowledge associated with the source and properties of various natural and synthetic fibres. It will cover skills associated with hand embroidery and different types of stitches, template creation and pattern cutting. In this unit of work students will design and make a felt mini monster that focuses on sustainability, students should include recycled textiles such as socks for arms and buttons off old clothing for component decoration.  

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Year 8: Polymers & Programming: Nightlight  

This learning programme focuses on the development of theoretical knowledge associated with polymers, electronics and programming. It will cover skills associated with computer aided design and manufacture, using 2D Design and the laser cutter. In this unit of work, students will design and create a laser ply nightlight that incorporates acrylic inserts. Theoretical learning focuses on categories of polymers, their working properties and impact on the environment, the programming of a crumble kit (knowledge of input, process, output) and how to recognise and correctly draw circuitry symbols. Students will also incorporate their own programmable circuit that will result in different outputs.  

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Year 8: Textiles: Sensory Cushion 

This learning programme focuses on the design, development and creation of a unique sensory cushion inspired by the theme of ‘Under the Sea’. Pupils will explore existing examples allowing them to compose an informed design specification for their own product design. They will explore a range of textural & decorative textile techniques and control of the sewing machine. Pupils will draw from their learning to design and make an appropriate product outcome.  

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Year 9: Timbers: Trinket Box  

This learning programme focuses on the design and manufacture of a decorative box using both CAD/CAM and hand making tools. Inspired by the work of a chosen designer, pupils will develop skills associated with the control of 2D Design to produce a lid and handle. 

Within the workshop, they will develop skills associated with timber construction to make the body of the box according to given dimensions and develop their skills to create finger and dovetail joints. 

Theoretical learning focuses on material properties and categories of timbers and manufactured boards. 

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Year 9: Modelling: Sustainable Architecture  

This learning programme focuses on the design and modelling of a sustainable building. Pupils will learn about how architecture can be sustainable and have minimal impact on the environment through the study of examples across the world, renewable and non-renewable energy sources and water harvesting methods. They will understand how advances in technology are generating new materials that allow buildings to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints by exploiting natural resources in effective ways. Pupils will explore modelling materials and methods, learn how biomimicry and bio-morphism influence design and engineering and draw from their learning to design and model a sustainable building. 

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KS3 Food and Nutrition Curriculum Overview

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Year 7: In this learning programme, pupils will learn the fundamental principles of nutrition essential to understanding what a healthy diet is. They will learn about the recommendations of the Eatwell Guide and the origin and roles of the key macronutrients in our bodies. Pupils will learn how to work safely within the kitchen, applying principles of cleanliness and hygiene to avoid the growth and spread of bacteria. They will cook a range of predominantly savoury dishes, learning how to use kitchen equipment safely and competently. 

 

Year 8: This learning programme focuses on food choices and food production. Pupils will look at what food options and choices are available to them and learn how to make informative choices based on their own beliefs. Pupils will learn about the environmental impact of food taking into consideration food miles and how we can reduce our food miles. Pupils will learn about allergies and intolerances; which foods fall under these categories and the symptoms associated with each. Pupils will also learn about anaphylactic shock and how to treat it. Pupils will develop the awareness of and ability to safely use a range of preparation techniques and cooking methods. 

 

Year 9: This learning programme focuses on food hygiene and food safety. Pupils will look at what food Bourne illnesses and how food illness occurs. Pupils will also look at reducing these risks through correct storage principles. Pupils will recap macronutrients and begin exploring different micronutrients, their functions and sources. Pupils will also explore a variety of different job roles and responsibilities within the Hospitality & Catering industry. Pupils will learn how to create food production plans in order to be able to successfully create a dish with more than one component within the allocated time period.  

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KS4 Curriculum Overview 

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Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality & Catering is a 2 year qualification that consists of two units. Unit 1: External examination (40% of overall grade), and Unit 2: Internal examination (60% of overall grade). This course provides a practical, real-world approach and develops the specific knowledge and skills students need to work successfully in the hospitality and catering industry. Areas of study include:

• Food safety 

• Job roles within the sector 

• How the sector operates 

• Nutritional needs 

• Health and Safety 

• Legislation 

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What We Teach/When We Teach It

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