Design and Technology
Overview
Design Technology Curriculum content
Within the Design and Technology department at Forge Valley School we very much believe in the importance of getting our pupils ready for life in the 21st century. We believe Design and Technology including Food Technology is an essential and vital part of every young person’s development by preparing pupils for the developing world and encouraging them to become curious and creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team.
Through the study of Design and Technology, pupils combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, cultural awareness, designing prototypes, following health and safety routines and knowledge relating to environmental issues. Design and Technology helps all pupils to become discerning and informed consumers and potential innovators. It provides pupils with a greater awareness and understanding of how everyday products are designed and made.
Food Technology involves pupils being taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of creativity.
Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.
Our KS3 programme of study provides inspiration to our pupils by linking their work with that of designers, craft persons, manufacturers, chefs and the wider food industries. These can be viewed in the below Pathway documents specific to Design Technology and Food Technology. These programmes also provide a solid foundation for those pupils choosing to pursue Design Technology or Hospitality and Catering into KS4 by building the essential skills of resilience and independence.
We adopt a variety of teaching and learning styles in Design and Technology lessons. Teachers ensure that the pupils apply their knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, making products and evaluating them. We do this through a mixture of whole class teaching and individual/group activities. All pupil’s ideas are treated with respect, and they are encouraged to critically evaluate their own work and that of others. Pupils can use a wide range of materials, processes, techniques and resources, including ICT and CAD CAM.
We teach Design and Technology to all pupils, whatever their ability, and provide learning opportunities that enable them to make progress. We do this by setting suitable learning challenges and respond to each pupil’s needs.