Design and technology is an inspired, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
Here at Birchensale, we want to inspire your child and allow them to develop in their own way. We solve design problems, construct and evaluate while picking up lots of technical skill on the way.
Mrs Roberts is our full time teacher of Design Technology teaching food, textiles, product design and electronics. Pupils focus on two DT disciplines per year so study at least 3 subjects at each key stage. Longer study times of 20 weeks gives more time for in-depth learning.
Year 5- Textiles/ Product Design
Year 6- Food/ Textiles
Year 7- Textiles/ Product Design
Year 8- Food/ Product Design with Graphics and Electronics
Key Stage 2
Year 5 pupils make a simple cushion cover inspried by the Viking culture. They acquire a range of decorative textile techniques: colourwash, colour-transfer and stencilling. Pupils stitch by hand and learn a range of stitching methods and decide which is best suited to purpose. They learn how to cut a pattern or template.
They then go on to construct a bird box and further improve their measuring and cutting skills using basic hand tools. Pupils are introduced to The Design Process and use IT to develop ideas.
In Year 6, pupils focus on Food Technology. The prime aim is to learn how to cook balanced, nutritious and tasty products that they want to eat. Pupils also spend time in the garden learning where our food comes from. They plant, nurture and harvest a range of fruits and vegetables. We then use these foods to cook with in the kitchen. Pupils develop safe knife skills, use electrical kitchen equipment and cook in the oven and under the grill. They also learn how to wash up properly – there are no dishwashers in our kitchen!!
Later on in the year, pupils study Textiles and are introduced to machine sewing. They learn about the design process and use elements from this process to design and make a fleece hat. They make a logo/badge using iPads and print onto fabric.
Key Stage 3
Year 7 pupils study Textiles and further improve their machine sewing skills. Following the design process, they design and make a bag from recycled materials. Pupils learn a range of techniques including decorative CAD/CAM stitching and applique. They learn about iconic British textile designers as part of their home study.
The second project allows pupils to study Product Design by designing and making a clock, inspired by Swatch. They consider the needs of their target market before designing can commence. Using wood and acrylic, students begin to learn how to use bench mounted machinery, Knowledge of The Design Process is developed.
Year 8 pupils study ‘Food’ for their first module. They learn advanced preparation techniques. The focus is on safe handling of high risk foods (eggs, raw meat). Pupils also spend time in the garden learning where our food comes from. They plant, nurture and harvest a range of fruits and vegetables. We then use these foods to cook with in the kitchen. Pupils develop advanced knife skills, use electrical kitchen equipment and cook in the oven and under the grill and on the hob.
The final module for pupils in Year 8 is Product Design with Graphics and Electronics. They design and make a lantern powered via a battery operated light and constructed from wood. They use the design process to achieve a high quality usable item, targeted at a chosen group. Pupils learn how to use soldering irons to create a circuit. Study continues on ‘Great Designers of Our Time’.