Forming an area of the syllabus that develops skills of quite a different nature from the academic subjects, Design Technology enables pupils to gain an awareness, understanding and capability in the technological world. Instead of theoretical problem solving, pupils have an opportunity to realise a practical solution to the tasks presented to them.
The focus of the department is strongly aimed at pupil enjoyment through inspirational teaching and by doing exciting and creative projects. Pupils are encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively. The pupils gain thorough knowledge and understanding of design and technology not only by theory work and practical experience, but by reflecting and evaluating their work and the work of others. They are encouraged always to produce work of quality; work that they can be proud of!
The department follow detailed schemes of work written by Mr C. The emphasis for success in D&T at King's is based on enjoyment and this is the fundamental basis built upon in these schemes of work. Mr C is a dynamic and enthusiastic teacher of his subject and this is reflected in the effective learning of the pupils throughout the school. As well as the curriculum the department promotes an open- house ethos that is always lively and bustling with activity. The department is always offering its services by helping to design and make products that can be used around the school, for example making the sets for school productions and more recently designing and making the 4 candelabra for the recent Junior School Candlemas service. Students are always involved whenever practicable in these extra projects.
At KS3 again, focus is on enjoyment; the pupils develop their key skills in this subject by completing exciting projects thus gaining the knowledge and understanding of the design process; materials, tools, equipment and industrial processes. Pupils are encouraged to be creative and innovative but also to reinforce their understanding and learning by reflecting and evaluating their own work and the work of others.
At KS4 the basis on further knowledge and understanding being gained through new and more sophisticated design and make activities. These are themselves based around the key areas of wood, metal and plastic. Towards the end of yr10 pupils will complete a mini GCSE project (folder and practical) to prepare them fully of the format and work required at this level. Traditionally pupils have been allowed to select a brief of their own for the final coursework project. However more recently they have benefited from choosing from a list of just 3, as this helps the pupils to work collaboratively on the initial stages on research and analysis. Exemplar work and a detailed course assessment breakdown can be seen on the KS4 work link.