Technology

Technology in Year 8

In Year 8 students continue to follow a carousel system which changes every 6 weeks, allowing them to cover 6 Technology modules in each year. The content of the modules is shown below.

Food Technology (two modules)
Students build on the knowledge from Year 7 and acquire a more detailed understanding of Healthy Eating and Nutrition.

Practical skills are further developed with the making of simple meals such as Bolognese, Stir Fry, Pasta and White Sauce. Students also make Apple Crumble, Drizzle Cake and Jam Buns.

Assessment in Module 1 consists of 4 sections – Planning, Making, Evaluation and a Written Test. Each aspect is graded and then an average is taken.
In Module 2 the assessment follows that of Module 1 but there is no test.

Design Technology (two modules)
Over 2 modules students will learn about the Design process, CAD/CAM and the properties of materials.

Practical skills are developed and will include cutting, filing, shaping of hardwoods, drilling and various finishing techniques.

Assessment is carried out in the form of grading. Grades are given for design, modelling, manufacture and evaluation.

Computer Aided Design (two modules)
Over these modules students learn how to use the CAD package 2D Design.

Assessment in these modules is graded and consists of various Design tasks and Evaluation.

Technology in Year 9

In Year 9 students continue to follow a carousel system which changes every 6 weeks, allowing them to cover 6 Technology modules in each year. The content of the modules is shown below.

Food Technology (two modules)
Students focus on food spoilage, high risk foods, hazards and key temperatures in food preparation.

Practical work includes Curry, Quiche, Wraps, Scones, White Chocolate Cheesecake, Mini Carrot Cakes. Sensory analysis work is also further developed

Assessment in Module 1 consists of 4 sections – Planning, Making, Evaluation and a Written Test. In Module 2 the assessment follows the same pattern but there is no Written Test. Each aspect is graded and then an average is taken.

Design Technology (two modules)
Over 2 modules students will learn about wood joining and the use of jigs and templates. Students will also develop graphic drawing skills and the use of electronics.

Practical work includes using electronics and packaging along with the cutting and joining of wood to create a Bird box.

Assessment is carried out in the form of grading. Grades are given for design, modelling, manufacture and evaluation.

Computer Aided Design (two modules)
Over these modules students learn how to develop the use of the CAD package 2D Design.

Assessment in this module is graded and consists of various Design tasks and an Evaluation.

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition (AQA)

Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course focusing on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food. The focus is on developing practical cookery skills to give students an understanding of nutrition.

Core Topics -There are five core topics:

• Food, nutrition and health
• Food science
• Food safety
• Food choice
• Food provenance

There is a strong emphasis on practical work and in the Food Safety topic students also have the opportunity to achieve the Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.

Assessments
Written Examination
1 hour 45 minutes and is worth 50% of the final GCSE
The paper will assess all 5 topics and is divided into 2 sections:

• Section A – consists of multiple choice questions worth 20 marks
• Section B – consists of 5 longer questions with sub-sections worth 80 marks

Non-Exam Assessment– consists of 2 tasks

• Task 1 – Food Investigation (10 hours – worth 15%). The task is set by AQA and involves a written report (1,500–2,000 words). Students will be expected to show an understanding of the working characteristics, functional and chemical properties of ingredients. It must include photographic evidence of the practical investigation.
• Task 2 – Food Preparation (20 hours, including a 3 hour practical – worth 35%). Involves a written portfolio where students will show their knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to the chosen task. They will plan, prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes in three hours. Photographic evidence of the three final dishes must be included.

GCSE Design & Technology: Product Design (AQA)

Product Design focuses on many areas of design, and students learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team. This course is concerned with the activity of designing
and making products with creativity and originality using a range of materials and techniques.

One major project in the final year of the course forms the basis for controlled assessment. Students select from a range of options depending upon where their interests lie. Controlled assessment is worth 60% of the final assessment and the final project submitted must represent 40 hours supervised project work.

During the course students are involved in:

• Developing design technology skills and capability using a range of materials and processes (e.g. woods, metals and plastics)
• Working on individual projects and team projects
• Producing well designed, quality, usable and useful products
• Simulating production line set ups

The range of activities students participate in include:

• Researching and investigating design problems
• Applying designing and drawing skills
• Using computers to produce CAD drawings (Techsoft and SpaceClaim)
• Using computers to operate machines, CAM (Laser cutter, CAM 1)
• Producing models and mock ups of ideas
• Evaluating products and projects
• Using tools and machines to manufacture products

A Level Product Design: Resistant Materials (Edexcel)

Year 12
The work involves 2 units:
Unit 1 – Portfolio of Creative Skills (60%)
This is a coursework based unit to produce a portfolio that has 3 separate and unrelated elements:

• Product Investigation and Analysis of 2 products (20%)
• Product Design challenge – to design a product for 2020 (20%)
• Product Manufacture of a jewellery box (20%)

Unit 2 -‘Design and Technology in Practice’ (40%)
This is an exam based unit and covers

• Materials and Processes
• Industrial Commercial Practice
• Quality and Health and Safety.

Year 13
The work involves 2 further units:

Unit 3 – ‘Designing for the Future’ (40%)
This is an exam based unit and covers

• Industrial and Commercial Practice
• Manufacturing Systems
• Design in Context
• Sustainability.

Unit 4 – Commercial Design (60%)
This unit consists of a coursework folder and product focusing on the needs of a client group and referring to sustainable design.

Course Assessment:

• Unit 1 – Internally assessed coursework and product
• Unit 2 – External 1½hr written exam
• Unit 3 – External 2hr written exam
• Unit 4 – Internally assessed coursework and product