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Year 8

 

 

 

In the twenty-first century, pupils face a rapidly evolving world with challenges such as energy and material shortages, climate change, and overpopulation. The Design and Technology curriculum aims to prepare students for this uncertain future by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for success in the technological age.

Through this curriculum, pupils will develop a broad range of problem-solving, mathematical, and technical skills, all grounded in a deep understanding of materials, components, and systems. They will explore the processes and reasons behind product manufacturing, learning from the achievements and failures of past and present designers. A significant emphasis is placed on the environmental impacts of design, as well as the importance of meeting the diverse needs of consumers, including inclusive design considerations for individuals with disabilities and various cultural backgrounds.

The curriculum also prioritises the development of resilience, collaboration, and teamwork, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared to face the demands of modern society.

Key Stage 3 Overview

At Key Stage 3, the Design and Technology curriculum introduces pupils to problem-solving through hands-on practical skills. They will build a foundational understanding of materials, components, systems, and processes, enabling them to create functional prototypes to address various challenges. As pupils progress, the complexity of the problems they tackle increases, requiring deeper knowledge of materials, systems, processes, and their environmental impacts.

Design and Technology

 

Content to be studied

Method of assessment

User-Centred Design
  • Develop empathy and understand user needs through targeted design activities.
  • Enhance practical skills in creating prototypes that address specific user requirements.
  • Enhance knowledge of materials and components.
  • Utilise 3D CAD software to visualise and iterate on design concepts.

Reflect on the design process to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Self, peer and teacher marking throughout the series of lessons.

Summative assessment.

Art Deco Style Work for Hotel Chocolat
  • Gain proficiency in 2D CAD software for detailed design work.
  • Understand and apply the principles of the Art Deco design movement.
  • Explore polymer forming techniques to create aesthetically pleasing and functional products.

Analyse the work of other designers to inform and inspire their own design work.

Self, peer and teacher marking throughout the series of lessons.

Summative assessment.

Robotics to Improve Everyday Life
  • Examine the ethical implications of robotics in everyday life.
  • Achieve advanced robotic movements through sophisticated programming and control techniques.
  • Consider diverse user needs and perspectives in the design of robotic solutions.

Develop programming skills to control robotic functions effectively.

Self, peer and teacher marking throughout the series of lessons.

Summative assessment.

Cooking and Nutrition
  • Prepare a variety of dishes while, considering safety and hygiene.
  • Understand the importance of key nutrients and hydration for a balanced diet.
  • Explore the role of energy and protein in nutrition.
  • Make informed food choices based on dietary needs.

Develop meal planning skills to create balanced and nutritious meals.

Self, peer and teacher marking throughout the series of lessons.

There is an end-of-unit assessment during the final lesson of the series

 

           
 

How will I know if my daughter is achieving this?

As with all Key Stage 3 subjects; developing, secure and excellent grades are given for assessments. In addition to the summative assessments, your daughter will be assessed on her technical knowledge, as well as her ongoing creative/practical work. Feedback can be found in the booklet that she uses.

Your daughter will receive regular feedback on her work, and she will have the opportunity to reflect on this and ensure she makes further progress. If she is struggling with any of the concepts, then she will receive additional support in lessons and may be invited to some additional sessions at lunch time.
 
   

How can I help my daughter?

You can help your daughter by encouraging the use of the VLE. The Product Design VLE is full of useful resources, including, documents, videos and animations. Your daughter is encouraged to use the search function at the top right of the page to search any topics she is unsure of, or as part of her homework tasks.

There are a number of other websites that are useful, that will support your daughter:

Please encourage your daughter to complete ‘excellence’ tasks, which feature in lessons and in homework. These tasks are designed to extend her thinking and stretch and challenge her.
 
   

Enrichment opportunities

STEM Club is an excellent opportunity for your daughter to work with other pupils on activities and competitions relating to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Design and Technology as a subject encompasses all four of these, therefore if your daughter enjoys the subject, she should get involved in any STEM activity she can, both inside and outside of school. There are often extra-curricular D&T activities that your daughter can get involved in.

Watching ‘How It’s Made’ on TV or YouTube is a great way of seeing manufacture in action, it gives a much greater understanding of the scale involved in making a range of different products as well as exploring individual processes.

The Smallpeice Trust is a charitable organisation that aims to increase the number of young people entering engineering-based careers. They offer a range of residential visits from Year 8 endorsed by the school which may be of interest. http://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk

Looking ahead, your daughter could apply for an Arkwright Scholarship in Year 11, a prestigious award that is recognised by many universities and top employers in the field of engineering. Upton supports Year 11 pupils with all aspects of the application and interview process. http://www.arkwright.org.ukis recognised by many universities and top employers in the field of engineering. Upton supports Year 11 pupils with all aspects of the application and interview process. http://www.arkwright.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Design and Technology Curriculum Progression Y8
    PDF File

 

 

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