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Lutterworth College

Design Technology

Design and technology shapes the world around us. Through study of the subject young people have the opportunity to develop an unrivalled set of transferable skills, empowering them to solve the problems of our society and improve quality of life. Design and technology is essential to our future economy and wellbeing.

At Lutterworth College, our aim is to provide students with a diverse, engaging curriculum which fosters creative thinking and innovation in Textiles and Product Design. Design and Technology is excellently placed to allow development of personal, learning and thinking skills such as enquiry, time management, active participation, team working and reflective practice. Students learn to design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different design contexts whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. To do this effectively, pupils will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw upon other subjects such as Maths, Science, Computing and Art.

The curriculum is sequenced to build upon previous knowledge and give a greater understanding of how designers make the decisions on which materials to use and the environmental impact associated with these and their manufacture. We work alongside our Church of England CHRIST values to enrich how our students experience. Students can demonstrate these values at various points across the three key stages in the following ways:

  • Being Courageous by realising their own values as a designer and being prepared to step out of the norm to showcase original ideas in solving everyday problems.
  • Being Hard working by knowing that the application of energy will result in the best solutions and the best solutions will result in positive changes in the world.
  • Being Reflective by always working towards their optimum solution through the continuous development of their design work and becoming a confident practitioner of and knowing that reflection is an integral part of the design process.
  • Being Inspirational by daring to be different and ‘think outside the box’ and with that, encouraging others through example.
  • Being Supportive in knowing that you’ve only really mastered a skill when you have successfully taught it to another and in that giving others the confidence to experiment and succeed.
  • Being Tenacious by recognising that mistakes are integral and essential to the design process, and that only through continuous experimentation can we really solve design problems to make our world a better place.

Key Stage 3

With students' access to design and technology at KS2 being significantly mixed, projects offered at KS3 have been specifically tailored to ease them through the transition period and narrow the attainment gap. Students are introduced to the design process and develop their understanding of the link between design and manufacture. They are encouraged to investigate and explore by collecting research before generating design proposals and communicating them in a variety of ways. Students develop a range of practical skills, using tools, materials and equipment effectively and safely.

Key Stage 3 Design & Technology Curriculum Map

Key Stage 4

At KS4 students are introduced to a large range of resistant, textile, compliant and smart materials, building upon prior knowledge acquired in KS3 and developing new understanding. Theory regarding properties and manufacturing processes is delivered in an engaging and interactive way with practical investigation at the heart of teaching and learning.

With this foundation in place, student move on to a design and make assignments chosen from a range of context provided by AQA. Through the project, students learn how to refine their research and investigation skills and are encouraged to take a more selective approach when collating information. More of the designing component is taught through the use of 3D card and CAD modeling in line with designers' own practice in industry. Through reflecting on their experiences in Year 9, students will be able to make informed choices regarding appropriate materials and processes to be used in the manufacture of the 3D prototype including the use of computer aided manufacture. They will learn how to test and evaluate their outcome against original intentions in order to discover if needs have been met successfully.

GCSE Design & Technology Curriculum Map

Key Stage 5

At Lutterworth College we offer AQA A-Level Product Design. Though most students opting for this pathway have already completed the GCSE course, it is possible to commence work on the specification without any previous experience of the subject. Students are encouraged to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products of worth and to appreciate the relationship between design materials, manufacture and marketing.

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

In Year 12 a portfolio approach is practiced, whereby students complete 2-3 design and make projects which involve manipulation of plastics, metals, timber, manmade board and smart materials. Students acquire the relevant knowledge and understanding relating to materials, components, processes, manufacture and design and market influences (which will be tested in the exam) through their design and make practice and theory-based lessons. In Year 13, students are encouraged to reflect upon their experiences to negotiate their own project which will be entered as their non-examined assessment for this year.

A Level Product Design Curriculum Map