Design Technology

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.

The Key Stage 3 Technology curriculum map at Steyning covers four different technologies. These are taught in rotation to allow all students best access to the rooms. They do not need to be sequential as the skills and theory build over the two years and are revisited. KS3 is designed to lay the foundation for KS4 which in turn leads to Product design at KS5. BET Assessments take place in November or January for KS3. The tests are created with a focus on the Design Process. Project work is self evaluated, peer assessed and with teachers giving the final  feedback.

Cultural Capital/British Values/SMSC:

• Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. 
• High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth, innovations and well-being of the nation.
• Discussions on world wide issues, looking at environmental impact and moral issues of over use of materials. Study of various design movements and artists also occurs.

Design Technology Learning Journey

A ‘game changing’ student in DT is a student who engages with many of the world’s current complex issues. Learning how to make a positive impact, thus quelling anxiety and enabling positive action for the greater good. The student who develops the ability to problem solve in a creative way, thinking differently to everyone else. The student who actively contributes to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of themselves, their community and the world as a whole. The student who takes risks and so becomes more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable. The student who sees the subject as a transformative pedagogy that has the potential to deliver on the very challenges we face today – revelling in the immersive experience while learning; making mistakes and trying over and over again.