National Curriculum
The Ecclesbourne School follows the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum three year program.
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. 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 and well-being of the nation.
The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:
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develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
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build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users · critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
Curriculum Intent
By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of domestic and local contexts [for example, the home, health, leisure and culture], and industrial contexts [for example, engineering, manufacturing, construction, food, energy, agriculture (including horticulture) and fashion].
Design
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use research and exploration, such as the study of different cultures, to identify and understand user needs.
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identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them.
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develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations.
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use a variety of approaches [for example, biomimicry and user-centred design], to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses.
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develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations and computer-based tools.
Make
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select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture.
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select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components and ingredients, taking into account their properties.
Evaluate
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analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding.
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investigate new and emerging technologies.
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test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users and other interested groups.
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understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists.
Technical knowledge
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understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions.
We have mapped our curriculum content against the National Curriculum and have chosen a variety of units to ensure full coverage in line with the national requirements. We also strongly believe that we should develop student’s creativity, life skills, adaptability, ICT and project management skills, problem-solving capability, data handling skills, written and oral communication, decision-making skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to set goals and manage their own workload. These are the transferrable skills that employers value.