Design Technology

The aim of the Design and Technology Department is to develop a wide range of experiences and develop knowledge which students will find interesting and provide and appropriate vehicle for learning valuable skills.  Students are given the opportunity to solve problems using simple design and make tasks. This allows creative, imaginative thinking where they can apply knowledge from other curriculum areas as well as from their own personal experiences.
The emphasis for these tasks is on the practical work allowing a student to experience using a wide range of materials and ingredients
Design and Technology at Paddington Academy is comprised of 4 main areas of study:

• Resistant Materials
• Graphics
• Textiles
• Food

Throughout key stage 3 and 4, pupils develop and use IT skills, including computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM), as an integral part of designing and making. They also draw on knowledge and understanding from other areas of the curriculum.

Over the course of key stage 3 (Year 7-9), pupils complete a project in each of the main areas thereby using a wide range of materials to design and make products. Students consider their ideas with taking into account how products will be used, who will use them, how much they cost and their appearance.
Students develop an understanding of designing and making by investigating existing products and explore work of professional designers and the manufacturing industry.

At KS4 (Year 10-11), pupils are required to specialise in one of the study areas.

Click on the links below:
GCSE Graphic Products- AQA
GCSE Resistant Materials-AQA
GCSE Catering-WJEC
BTEC Level 2 Art and Design: Fashion (equivalent to two GCSE)-EDEXCEL

For either GCSE or BTEC courseworks, pupils must take part in design and make projects that are linked to their own interests, industrial practice and the community. Pupils identify an opportunity, design to meet a need, manufacture products and evaluate the whole design and make process.
They also consider how technology affects society and their own lives, and learn that new technology have both advantages and disadvantages.

WAYS IN WHICH FAMILIES CAN HELP
• Discussing the homeworks that support the classwork.
• Encourage them to watch technology programmes on TV.
• Tell them about any relevant articles you have read in magazines or newspapers.
• Let your child help at home with any relevant work and make them aware of any safety precautions.
• Help ensure your child is prepared for their D&T lessons, ingredients, pen, pencil etc.
• Any problems with a given recipe can be easily solved by the student speaking to the teacher.
• Encourage the use of a computer for design work.