Design and Technology Curriculum Intent
At Ripley Academy Design Technology curriculum provides a rich, challenging, enjoyable and enhancing programme of learning. It is a contemporary and varied curriculum which enables pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. Pupils combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. Pupils learn to design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts, whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. For example across Key Stage 3 pupils design and make a mechanism for a sweet dispenser, cultural products based on the Mexican theme of Day of the Dead, a gadget tidy, lighting based on a design movement, a mini speaker and design a product influence by a current designer. In Key Stage 4 pupils can choose either GCSE DT or Arts, Crafts and Design (focusing on 3D, textile and graphics) and complete further projects based around lighting, jewellery, architecture, outdoor living and sculpture.
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing, making and evaluating. When designing, pupils will use their research to generate creative design ideas that are communicated clearly using annotated sketches and accurate technical working drawings. When making, pupils work with a wide range of materials and techniques both traditional and contemporary. They use their understanding to carefully select the tools, processes and manufacturing techniques needed to create their design. This also includes CAD and a range of CAM methods such as 3D Printing, LASER cutting, and vinyl cutting.
The subject includes the practical application of mathematical and scientific concepts combined with practical skills, and an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, linked together with industrial practices. Through the evaluation of: their own work; past and present designers; and the work of others; our pupils develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. Design Technology at Ripley Academy will enable pupils to become a discriminating and informed consumers and promising innovators.
GCSE Design and Technology is broken down into an exam and coursework (Non-Exam Assessment / NEA). Each is worth 50% of the final grade.
GCSE Arts, Craft and Design is broken down into an exam and coursework (Non-Exam Assessment / NEA). The NEA is 60% and the exam is 40%. The exam is a 10 hour practical exam, over 2 school days.
