Overview

Design Technology at Upper Batley High School is an exciting subject that involves the design and manufacture of a range of products.

Our mission is to build confidence and encourage independent learning, equipping learners with the skills and qualifications to become the next generation of creative practitioners. Our intent is a knowledge rich curriculum which uses creative thinking, practical skills and design knowledge to create innovative outcomes. Engaging and problem solving projects allow learners to move through the curriculum to develop skills in different materials, techniques and processes.

 Outline of Course Content

 Year 7 topics include:

In year 7 Learners will use their skills in creativity to design and make products to solve problems across a variety of different contexts linked to the theme of “A day out at Chester Zoo”. In each project learners will gain feedback on their designing, making and evaluating skills.

Project 1: Coat Hook

Project 2: Textiles Animal

Project 3: Healthy Picnic Foods

Year 8 topics include:

In year 8 learners will further develop their skills to design and make products to solve problems across a variety of different contexts linked to the theme of “Celebrate the World”. Learners will undertake 3 design and make projects and will be given feedback in their designing, making and evaluation skills. Learners will also undertake a mini project to apply their electronics and computing skills to program robots. 

Project 1: Automata

Project 2: World Foods

Project 3: Steady Hand Game

Project 4: Programming Mini Project

Year 9 topics include:

In year 9 learners will start to develop a greater knowledge of the iterative design process. They will further develop their skills in creativity to design and make products across a variety of different problem solving contexts. Learners will undertake 4 projects across the year and will be given feedback in their designing, making and evaluation skills.

Project 1: Food for Thought Project

Project 2: Are you sitting comfortably? Project

Project 3: Sustainable USB Lamp Project

Project 4: Clock Project

GCSE Design and Technology

In year 10 learners will opt to study AQA GCSE Design & Technology. This course places an emphasis on understanding and applying the iterative design process. Learners will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

This course is 50% internally assessed and 50% externally assessed and learners can achieve grades 9-1. You can find out more about the course specification on this link. https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-8552

Year 10 topics include:

In year 10 learners will study their specialist materials areas (Timber) in depth through a short theory and practical based project. Learners will complete a design and make project linked to a contextual challenge which will help prepare them for completing their NEA in year 11. This will assess their skills in investigations, specification writing, designing, developing, making and evaluating. They will also study theory topics which will develop their knowledge for their written exam. 

Year 11 topics include:

Learners will undertake a singular design and make project which will place an emphasis on understanding and applying the iterative design process. Learners will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Learners will complete their NEA (Non Exam Assessment) alongside exam skills and theory studies. 

 Extracurricular and Enrichment Opportunities

The Design Technology Department is well equipped with 2 workshops, a graphic design room, cooking and nutrition room and CAD/CAM area with equipment including 2 laser cutters and a 3D printer. These areas are open most breaks and lunch times as well as after school on most evenings for learners to come and work on any of their projects.

We take part in the annual Rotary Club Technology Tournament, in which learners are given a problem and have to design and build a solution within a limited time scale.  We also run extracurricular trips throughout the year.

As part of the Creatives Department we offer after school Creative Workshops which are open to all learners at UBHS. We also offer an annual residential trip to London so learners can visit a range of places to enhance their subject knowledge. Our recent London trip included a visit to the Tate Art Gallery, Design Museum and the opportunity to see a West End show. 

Other Information

The world around us is constantly changing and evolving and this is down to new changes in technology. Keeping up to date with new technologies and visiting galleries, museums and exhibitions are an excellent way to further engage with the world of Design Technology. You can support your child by:

• Taking an interest in your child’sDT work and ensuring that they are spending an appropriate amount of time on it.
• Encouraging your child to visit exhibitions, galleries, museums, watch programs on TV etc.
• Encouraging any form of practical work for pleasure (DIY, cooking, repairs and maintenance).
• Taking the time to discuss new technological advances and inventions with your child.