Design Technology and Food
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
- Year 8
- Year 9 - 3D Art
- Year 10 - 3D Art
- Year 11 - 3D Art
- Year 11 - GCSE DT
- Year 9 - WJEC H&C
- Year 10 - WJEC H&C
- Year 11 - WJEC H&C
- Year 11 - GCSE FPN
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9 – 3D Art
Year 10 – 3D Art
Year 11 – 3D Art
Year 11 – GCSE DT
Year 9 – WJEC H&C
Unit 1: written exam content AC1 and basic practical skills.
Year 10 – WJEC H&C
Year 11 – WJEC H&C
Year 11 GCSE FPN
Curriculum (TEMP LINKS)
Key Subject Facts
Exam Board:
OCR Design Technology
Course Makeup:
- Exams 50%
- Non-Exam Assessment 50%
Exam Structure:
-
1x Paper- 2hour written exam
Key Subject Facts
Exam Board:
AQA 3D/Textiles
Course Makeup:
- Exams 40%
- Coursework 60%
Exam Structure:
-
1 X 10 hour practical exam
Recommended Revision Guides:
OCR GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology
Collins GCSE 9-1 Revision
Contact DT Department
Please use the form below to contact the DT department or alternatively please email dt_info@starbank.staracademies.org