Westminster City School
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Design Technology

Vision

The Design & Technology department at Westminster City School aims to provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to design and make products that are both practical and creative. We expect our students to aspire to learn and enjoy their lessons whilst working in a safe and inspiring environment. Our students will study a broad curriculum, aimed at equipping them for future prospects in the many facets of D&T. The department provides excellent teaching and learning resources, enabling the students to increase their understanding of: - aesthetics, social and environmental issues, form and function, industrial practices (including CAD CAM), design concepts and presentation. Staff will endeavor to encourage students to be successful and enjoy their studies throughout all key stages 3, 4 & 5 and create an environment which is enjoyable for all. Students are expected to be disciplined and to work hard and behave in an exemplary fashion. This is achieved through clear expectations and a comprehensive rewards system that encourages students to do well.

Staffing

P. O’Neill - Subject Leader
F. Owausu – Teacher of DT
S. Binning – Teacher of DT
A. Kneller – Senior Technician and Teacher of DT

Curriculum

The Key Stage3 curriculum covers: - Resistant Materials, Graphic Design, Electronics and Systems & Control.


At KS3, the emphasis is on students developing their practical and design skills, whilst gaining confidence in their own creativity. Throughout year 7, the majority of projects are focused practical tasks, with theory to support the making process. In year 8 the students follow a similar curriculum but are encouraged to become independent learners, introducing an element of risk, decision making and enterprise into their work. Year 7 & 8 students engage in challenging projects aimed at developing their skills in each of the specific disciplines. Workshop familiarity, practices and procedures are addressed, preparing the students for advancing their studies at GCSE and A Level. To ensure all students receive maximum experience, new projects are introduced each half term allowing for fresh challenges and advancing subject Knowledge.

At Key Stage 4, students follow the GCSE syllabus covering five main assessment objectives; investigating the design context, development of designs (including modeling), making a prototype, testing, evaluating and communication skills. The course is split into two units; unit two is a design and make process including a final product and a design portfolio. Unit one is an examination covering topics relating to resistant materials. Students who opt for D&T as a subject, have the opportunity to work with state of the art machinery and engage in the many additional extra-curricular enrichment classes offered by experienced and dedicated staff. In the first year at GCSE, students will closely follow a moderately complex Schemes of Work aimed at advancing each students capacity as a creative designer and a proficient manufacturer. When students embark on their own design and make project for the GCSE, they will have developed the skills and confidence to succeed, possibly leading to further studies in this field. An additional GCSE in Graphic Design is an option for students who show exceptional performance throughout their year 10 studies. Design & Technology can be a pathway into career areas such as: - engineering, computer aided design and manufacture, architecture and design, construction industry, media and enterprise.


Students, who display exceptional subject aptitude and wish to advance their studies at AS/A2 Level D&T, will need a B grade minimum. At Key Stage 5, both the AS Level and A2 Level D&T courses build on previous subject knowledge and introduce new concepts and advanced techniques into the field of design and manufacture. The course moves from the KS4 Resistant Materials and Graphic Design rudiments, into the complexities of 3D Product Design. Throughout the course, the students will broaden their understanding of the roll Design and technology plays in the developing world. Successful A level students can then progress to study at degree level in one of the many fields of design related disciplines.

Enrichment


The D&T department offers students the opportunity to continue with their studies, either independently or teacher assisted. Often students work in small groups or with a study buddy. Students are encouraged to participate in all enrichment activities within the department. Enrichment sessions are especially advantageous for students who are compiling portfolio coursework. Those who have engaged in enrichment sessions have noticeably improved their grades and have found the experience rewarding. Intense exam revision is offered to familiarise students with the appropriate technical language and questioning styles of past papers. Enrichment is timetabled, but teachers offer students the opportunity of drop in sessions, either after school or during lunch time. Gifted and talented students will often utilise enrichment to pursue interests of their own that are D&T related, or simply to raise their attainment grade potential. For KS5 students we offer school trips to museums and other specific work related visits accompanied by our committed staff.