Design and Technology Summary
Design and Technology is a board area of study that covers many elements of design, innovation, ICT, planning and manufacture. At Ripley Academy we teach the Design and Technology GCSE and Art & Design (Arts, Craft and Design) through Product Design and Textiles Design.
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition equips students with an array of culinary techniques, as well as knowledge of nutrition, food traditions and kitchen safety. This subject along with Product Design and Textile form a 3 subject carousel at KS3 (13 weeks each).
Art and Design
This is a vibrant and dynamic subject which will give students the freedom to experiment and express themselves through Fine Art and Photography. After KS3 students can then focus on either Fine Art or Photography.
In Y7,8 and 9 students rotate around each subject to experience all three areas. In year 9 students can choose a DT option from these 3 and continue studying their chosen subject at GCSE.
Students are taught technology 4 times a week over a 2-week timetable at KS3.
In Design and Technology students look at health and safety, mechanisms, electronics, recycling and sustainability, drawing and design skills, product analysis, inclusive design, work of influential designers, planning and manufacturing skills using workshop machinery and CADCAM.
In Y7 students design and make a mechanical toy and mini monster. In Y8 students complete a mini GCSE NEA and design and make a gadget tidy and a light project where students combine textiles and electronics, and in Y9 students complete an electronics project, they complete a design project where they look at the needs of the disabled and design and make a tablet stand in textiles.
Food is taught as part of the Design and Technology rotations. During the rotations students will cook approximately 13 times. The skill requirement increase throughout the 3 years and students are expected to be prepare a range of healthy and technical challenging dishes.
Art is taught at Y7,8 and 9 through several projects, these also includes elements from Photography. KS3 students are taught 2 lessons over a 2-week time table. After Keystage 3 they will chose an option in Art and Design or Photography.
Product Design, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Arts Craft and Design (3D and Textiles), Fine Art and Photography are all the subjects offered at GCSE. Each subject is taught across a 2-week timetable and students will have 5 hours of lessons over this time.
Product Design follow the AQA Design and Technology specification. This course is 50% NEA, which is a classroom based design project and 50% exam, which is 2 hours. Y10 combine projects, design theory and exam preparation. At the and of Y10 students start their final project (NEA) this is carried on in Y11. Students continue with their exam preparation throughout this year too.
Food Preparation and Nutrition follow the AQA Food Preparation and Nutrition specification. This course is 50% NEA, which is several classroom based practical cooking projects and 50% exam, which is 2 hours.
In Y10 students will carry out a range of cooks, theory and exam preparation. In Y11 students will complete 2 practical coursework assessments and theory (NEA). Students continue with their exam preparation throughout this year too.
Students who choose Arts Craft and Design (3D and Textiles), Fine Art or Photography will follow the AQA GCSE Art and Design Specification. Students will complete a portfolio (60%) which consists of several projects over the 2 years showing a journey of study from initial experiment to a final realisation of work within their chosen area. The remaining 40% is a 5 hour exam. Students have several weeks to prepare for the exam, within the exam students need to produce a piece of work based on projects given by the exam board.
Art and Design / Design and Technology A-Level Courses
All Post-16 courses are taught over 2 years, with no AS Level exam at the end of the Y12. We offer Product Design (Art & Design – 3D Design), Food Science and Nutrition, Fine Art and Photography.
Food Science and Nutrition
Food Science and Nutrition is a 2-year course divided up in to 2 units. The unit 1, the exam (50%) of the overall course) covers the following components; Materials and Components, Design and Market Influences and Processes and Manufacture. The coursework unit, students are given the opportunity to develop their creative practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities.
Art & Design – 3D Design
In Product Design (Art & Design – 3D Design), Fine Art and Photography students start by completing a foundation skills project which covers all the skills required to complete the NEA and Exam.
After this students complete a Personal Investigation (60%). This consists of a major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance. Plus, an extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must clearly relate to practical and theoretical work using an appropriate working vocabulary and specialist terminology.
The other 40% is an externally set exam. Students have several months to prepare for this and then have 15 hours to complete a final piece of work.
Art & Design – Fine Art
In Product Design (Art & Design – 3D Design), Fine Art and Photography students start by completing a foundation skills project which covers all the skills required to complete the NEA and Exam.
After this students complete a Personal Investigation (60%). This consists of a major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance. Plus, an extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must clearly relate to practical and theoretical work using an appropriate working vocabulary and specialist terminology.
The other 40% is an externally set exam. Students have several months to prepare for this and then have 15 hours to complete a final piece of work.
Art & Design – Photography
In Product Design (Art & Design – 3D Design), Fine Art and Photography students start by completing a foundation skills project which covers all the skills required to complete the NEA and Exam.
After this students complete a Personal Investigation (60%). This consists of a major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance. Plus, an extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must clearly relate to practical and theoretical work using an appropriate working vocabulary and specialist terminology.
The other 40% is an externally set exam. Students have several months to prepare for this and then have 15 hours to complete a final piece of work.
At KS3 there are several literacy and project assessments, with 3 end of rotation assessments and 2 end of project assessments in Art and Design.
At KS4 there are several literacy and project assessments, with timely deadlines through the years that are assessed. Students will complete 3 mock exams at KS4 before their final exam in Y11.
We offer several after school opportunities to carry out project work or homework. We also offer a range of trips including; the Good Food Show at the NEC, a Food trip to Italy and a London for the Art, Photography, Product Design and Textile Students.
