Introduction

Design and Technology (DT) is all around us in the modern world. The DT Department at Forest Hill School gives students the opportunity to learn about the design journey/process of a product, how to adapt to meet specific client-based briefs and to understand how to become a responsible designer and consumer by using ethical and sustainable materials and processes.

Our passionate staff believe it is vital to nurture creativity and innovation through design and we encourage students to design and make products that will enhance the lives of others, and positively affect society and the environment.

The curriculum is designed to give all students the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge to engage positively with materials, components, products, and technologies in the world around them.

Design and Technology Curriculum Map

Design and Technology at Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9), students learn to work to a design brief and specification, to complete necessary research, and to develop design ideas which lead to the creation of a 3D product which they will test and evaluate. Students will develop skills such as resilience, problem solving, collaborative working, communication and aspects of technical drawing.

They will also learn practical skills: working with a range of different materials, cardboard modelling, cutting skills and important ways to implement health and safety in the workshop, all of which set the foundation for further development at Key Stage 4.

Design and Technology at Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, students can opt to study GCSE Design and Technology which covers smart materials, CAD (Computer aided design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) and how to use more complex practical techniques and theory. Students will work to an externally given brief following the Eduqas GCSE specification (C600qs), designing for a client, and will be encouraged to make decisions on the design process of their product independently. This project is worth 50% of the course with the other 50% assessed as a written exam.

Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology Specification

Enrichment

Forest Hill School Art and DT are offering the chance for KS3 Students to be a part of a ‘click/make/draw’ club on a Monday after school which for DT, will be a design and make 45-minute challenge. This club will introduce students to STEM and smart materials, preparing them for KS4 product design if they wish to pursue the subject and building awareness of world production and ethical design.

There are also opportunities for KS4 students to continue to work on their coursework or revise in the workshop.

Throughout the year, we will also make students aware of Art and Design based competitions which are advertised through our various communication channels and social media.

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