Design Technology and Food

Design Technology and Food are crucial subjects that allow students the opportunity to understand the world around them. From the clothes they wear, the house they live in, to the food they eat, it is all made through the same design, develop and making process. Designing, engineering, food production and textile manufacture are just some of the multi-billion pound industries that make up the UK commerce today and in Birmingham we have a proud history of these industries.

Here at Starbank, Design Technology is a key part of the KS3 curriculum and gives students an opportunity to experience x3 key areas, Food, Product Design and Textiles. Giving students a broad overview of the subject then allows for informed choices for their KS4 options and with a wide range of materials, skills and machinery available, it makes for many varied and exciting student learning opportunities. Design technology enables students to develop designing and practical skills through the application of critical thinking, problem solving and innovation.

Why study Design Technology and Food?

Design technology is a STEM subject, building a wide range of practical skills across five different materials areas (woods, metals, plastics, fabrics and papers). Incorporating your knowledge of the properties of materials from Science, as well as your Mathematical skills to mark out and measure your materials in creating innovative products to meet the needs of clients.

How would I learn?

The curriculum is split into two main ways of learning, the first through theoretical studies eg researching problems, designing possible solutions, finding out about materials, studying specific and relevant themes and topics etc. The second way is through making and exploring materials, component parts and ingredients.

Both ways of learning are crucial for the development of skills needed in Design Technology and Food at KS4 in the new specification GCSE courses.

Design Technology and Food are also subjects that complement and support the teaching of Maths, English and Science core subjects, throughout the curriculum.

Design Technology and Food Curriculum Map

Year 7

Rotation 1

Textiles rotation: children’s sensory cushions. Nature theme.

Rotation 2

Textiles rotation: children’s sensory cushions. Nature Theme.

Rotation 3

Resistant Materials rotation: Wind chimes Nature Theme.

Rotation 4

Resistant Materials rotation: Wind chimes Nature Theme.

Rotation 5

Food rotationFood safety basics and healthy eating

Rotation 6

Food rotation: Food safety basics and healthy eating

Year 8

Rotation 1

Textiles rotation: bag project- Bauhaus style art.

Rotation 2

Textiles rotation: bag project- Bauhaus style art.

Rotation 3

Resistant Materials rotation: Resistant Materials. Bauhaus style art.

Rotation 4

Resistant Materials rotation: Storage Bauhaus style art.

Rotation 5

Food rotation: Dietary need and food availability.

Rotation 6

Food rotation: Dietary need and food availability.

Year 9 – 3D Art

Rotation 1

Wood project- Greek Knot puzzle.

Rotation 2

Design skills and presentation drawing skills.

Rotation 3

Textiles- waistcoat structural and surface pattern/ materials

Rotation 4

Textiles- waistcoat structural and surface pattern/ materials.

Rotation 5

CAD/ CAM project- 2D design/ laser cutting and mould making.

Rotation 6

Metal Project- Jewellery. Enamelling/ ring making/ joining/ heating.

Year 10 – 3D Art

Rotation 1

Mini project- C/W style structure- Theme set by previous exam questions.

Rotation 2

Mini Project. C/W style structure- Theme set by previous exam questions.

Rotation 3