Design Technology — Year 7

 

Design Technology Overview
Curriculum

Textiles (10 Weeks): Superhero Pencil Case Project

Students are introduced to Textiles as a D&T material through creating a Superhero pencil case. Course content in this project aims to build students' confidence in identifying and using fabrics, understanding stitches and learning how to use and thread sewing machines. Students will investigate textiles manufacturing methods in industry and have a go themselves at a variety of stitches both by hand and on the sewing machine. Students will build on design skills, creating their own initial ideas and research, analysing what products already exist on the market and what they can learn from it.

Interim Assessment

- Initial ideas and sketches will be assessed to gain an understanding of student knowledge through their explanations and annotations of initial concepts

Final Assessment

- Final outcome assessed against the specification - is the product 'Shop Quality'

Designer
A person who plans the look or workings of something prior to it being made, by preparing drawings or plans.

Schematic map
A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures. A schematic usually omits all details that are not relevant to the information the schematic is intended to

Final Design
The idea that comes from an accumulation of research and sketching of preliminary ideas.

Evaluate
The making of a judgement about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment.

Product
An item that is manufactured or refined for sale.

Designing
To prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed)

Construct
To build or make something.

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:
This project helps develop the individual by making them aware of a variety of different events and occasions which may be derived from different cultures and backgrounds which their pencil case could be themed upon.

Create a supportive community:
Students learn to work in pairs and to assist each other whilst making the Textiles Products and sharing what they have discovered.

Graphic Design (10 Weeks): Music Festival Project

Within this project, students will gain a understanding of how Graphic Design and will use a variety computer based design packages - helping to create products from card, papers and composite materials. Students will be completing a music festival project which aims to build on design based skills both on the computer and by hand. Students will focus on typography, colour theory, advertising techniques and will work towards creating their own music festival where they will produce advertisements, fast food packaging and merchandise. This project aims to bridge business concepts into D&T, considering advertising techniques, persuasive language and product feasibility.

Interim Assessment

- Initial investigation research on chosen festival theme and annotations made

Final Assessment

- Fast food packaging and advertisement poster created using digital and hand drawing techniques - final outcome assessment

Target Market
The intended consumer of our products

Theme
A series of design decisions aimed at showing a particular style or message

Festival
A collection of people celebrating a particular occasion - music for example

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:
SMSC To develop their awareness of different target markets and how their needs can influence the design of a product. Students learn how graphic materials can be used for a variety of graphics based products

Create a supportive community:
Students are to work in small groups to conduct research, applying it their own projects. Students will begin to understand the beliefs and means behind specific colours and concepts in different religions and backgrounds

Food Technology (10 Weeks): Basics of cooking and nutrition

Students will begin this project rotation by studying food hygiene and safety in the kitchen, in addition to building foundation skillsets in food preparation, utensils and their uses, energy and nutrients and storing food correctly. Students will then begin to build the foundations of knowledge building links to science through studying heat transfer techniques, alongside food labelling and food choice. A large focus within this project is centred around eating healthily and having a balanced diet, where practical dishes will reflect this - including Stir Fry, Pizza Swirls and a Fruit salad amongst others.

Interim assessment

- Students will complete a hygiene and nutrients based test which shows their newly acquired knowledge

Final assessment

- Completed skills tracker showing evidence of dishes cooked and their successes

Hygiene
Keeping clean in the kitchen as to not spread disease or contaminants

Cuisine
A theme of food found in certain countries

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:
To develop their awareness of different target markets and how their needs can influence the design of a product. Students learn how basic graphics and artistic principles influence design and customer usage.

Create a supportive community:
Students will build on team working skills and peer assessment, analysing and evaluating completed projects

D&T Materials (10 Weeks): London Zoo Sweet Dispenser

Students will use their range of initial ideas to inform and create a final design for a animal based sweet dispenser which could be sold in the London Zoo gift shop. Students will be introduced to CAD/CAM and laser cutting techniques, which aims to build on their hand crafting skills and understand how products are created for the mass market. Students will create and test their product, evaluating its potential commercial success. Students will be introduced to workshop safety and protocols within this working area, aswell as understanding the basics of machine operation including Pillar Drills, Belt Sanders and Plastic deformation processes including line benders.

Interim Assessment

- Materials and processes quiz

Final Assessment

- Final outcome assessment - Has it met the brief, in addition to overall build or 'shop quality'. Is the product functional and stores/dispenses sweets successfully

MDF
Medium density fibreboard

Plywood
A wood made of layers of thin softwood which is strong

Acrylic
A plastic which is brightly coloured and easily available

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:
Students will use their imagination and creativity to design a product from initial ideas through to a working prototype. This builds confidence and shows students the design process in full.

Create a supportive community:
Students support each other through peer assessments and by offering support when using new equipment.