Technology Key Stage 3
Design Technology (D&T) makes a unique contribution to the development of all young people by preparing them to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve the quality of life.
The subject provides students opportunities to progress their designing and making skills to match their intellectual and innovative abilities. By developing, planning and communicating ideas they enhance their intelligence and ways of thinking about human culture. As they work with tools, equipment, materials and components to make quality products they engage in a continuous course of personal development. As they evaluate processes they become discriminating and informed users of products.
Design and Technology is part of the National Curriculum subject called Technology. It is taught in a group of rooms that includes Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials and IT. (see curriculum web page for GCSE IT and Home Economics)
In years 7, 8 and 9 students experience a range of projects each year. The courses are structured to represent the GCSE courses currently run by the department, Graphic Products, Resistant Materials, Food & Nutrition and Child Development (see home economics) plus ICT. The grid below shows the courses currently run at KS3.
| Year 7 | Aroma Fan | IT Projects | Cushion Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 8 | Handy Item | IT Projects | Discrete Cookery Lessons |
| Year 9 | Storage | CD Covers | HEalthy Eating |
There are many opportunities for parents to help their children develop their Design and Technology capabilities. Helping with and making sure that homework is completed is one way. Helping them find the right materials or discussing folder work can help students be clear about their projects and help them plan ahead. Help with research can be very beneficial and is an important aspect of their study skills, having a simple sketch book which they regularly practice their drawing in can be great fun and helps develop 3D cognitive skills.
The grid below details some important aspects of the KS3 programme of study.
| Marking and Measuring | Research | Drawing | Communication | Processes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marking Knife | Use of Library | Isometric | Flow Diagrams | Recognise Structures |
| Try Square | Questionnaires | Dimensioning | Systems Approach | Tools for Holding |
| Marking Gauge | Data Presentation | Perspective | Word Processing | Tools for Drilling |
| Scriber | Bar Charts | Printed Circuit | Spreadsheets | Tools for Cutting |
| Centre Punch | Pie Charts | Board | Databases | Tools for Forming |
| Research on Internet | Circuit Diagram | Computer Control | Tools for Shaping | |
| Computer Aided Design | Pillar Drill | |||
| Computer Aided Manufacture | Heat BEnding/Vacuum Forming | |||
| Computer Simulations | Polisher | |||
| Cutting/Parts Lists | ||||
| Pinning and Butt Joint | ||||
| Use of Pneumatics | ||||
| Adhesives | ||||
| Plane | ||||
| Casting/Pop Riveting/Tapping | ||||
| Finishers |
