Welcome to Technology!
In KS3, technology works on a carousel of 3 disciplines; Textiles, Resistant Materials & Food Preparation & Nutrition. Over the course of the year students will spend a full term in each of these disciplines.
Our KS3 Textiles/ Product Design Journey:
In year 7 students undertake a jungle animal wall hanging which brings together hand sewing skills, batik, cutting and pinning materials. The wall hanging project also introduces students to the design process and the concept of a design brief as the product must be suitable for a child’s bedroom. As students progress to year 8 they continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of the design process as they complete market research to inform their design ideas for a cushion project. The cushion project enhances batik skills whilst introducing tie dye and applique. Students develop their ability to demonstrate a more complex range of hand stitches and learn new skills using the sewing machine.
As students move into year 9 our textile route becomes more product design based giving the students the opportunity to work with a wider range of materials and mediums. Students develop skills using CAD on Photoshop, product analysis and specification writing. Students combine these skills to produce a collectable clay figurine, backing packaging and blister formed plastic.
Our KS3 Food Preparation & Nutrition Journey:
In year 7 students learn basic food hygiene and kitchen health and safety and the different equipment used in food preparation. Students focus on the working characteristics of a variety of different ingredients and can apply this to their practical work including scones, cheese roll ups and savoury rice salad.Students learn to follow a range of basic recipes and learn to evaluate their outcomes. Students build on these basic skills in year 8 as their learning moves to focus on international cuisine. Year 8 recipes include chicken curry, pizza & cheese and onion turnovers. Finally in year 9 students follow more complex recipes. They have a secure understanding of the Eatwell Guide and develop their knowledge and understanding of different nutrient groups and the importance of a balanced diet. Students develop their knowledge and understanding of dietary groups and how to make recipe modifications to meet these needs. Year 9 recipes include potato gratin, free from chili or spaghetti bolognese and Thai green curry.
Our KS3 Resistant Materials Journey:
Our students begin their resistant materials studies learning all about health and safety in the workshop and the different tools and machinery they are going to be coming into contact with. Students begin learning basic timber theory and look to follow a design brief to produce a wooden keychain using hand tools and basic machinery. In year 8 move to focus on gears in motion. Students will learn about the different types of motion and energy. Students will then apply this knowledge to creating a wooden gear train. Students conclude KS3 focussing on the different design movements and the impact of Bauhaus. Their design focus moves to product functionality. Students will learn about different types of wood joints, focusing on dowel joints. Students expand their knowledge of different machinery to create a model of their Bauhaus inspired design.
Our KS3 Design Technology curriculum is structured in such a way that by the end of year 9 students will have developed knowledge and skills appropriate to move into either of the KS4 programmes of study on offer; GCSE Design Technology or GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition.
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID 19 all technology projects are continually under review and subject to change. Changes would only occur where students have fundamental skill or knowledge gaps.