Design and Technology

Head of Design Technology Mr. T.J. Williams

Aims of the Department:

We see Design and Technology as an area of practical and creative activity that aims to prepare young people for life in a changing technological society. We feel that the modern approach to teaching this subject should emphasise areas such as design and communication, mechanisms, structures, electronics, pneumatics, and computer applications alongside the more traditional skills of realisation in wood, metal and plastic. We aim to enhance the rapid development that this subject has made as a result of the National Curriculum and endeavour to excite and challenge pupils at Kent College as a result, both in lesson and extra-curricular time.

Key Stage 3:

Over the last few years in the Design and Technology department at Kent College, we have carefully structured a course which encompasses the statutory requirements for Design and Technology at Key Stage 3 whilst retaining the best of the traditional aspects of the subject. In Years 7, 8 and 9 D/T is taught as part of the Kent College Technology Programme

The ‘Technology Programme’ provides all Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils with a thorough grounding in a variety of technological skills and processes.

The Year 9 carousel allows pupils to continue with Design Technology, Information Communication Technology and Art until they have to decide on their GCSE options. 

Key Stage 4 (GCSE) / Year 10 & 11

Design and Technology is a generic term covering a range of action-based studies within the curriculum. The subject is concerned with giving all pupils the opportunity to gain experience in identifying, considering and solving problems through the manipulation of a range of materials and technologies, thus helping to prepare them for their future life within a changing technological society.

The courses we offer can vary from year to year. This is determined by the ever-changing contents of the courses, the pupils' ability and the number of pupils who have opted for the subject.

The aims, objectives and details of all these courses are in published specification documents provided by the exam board. Pupil handouts are given so that when choosing their options, pupils have written details to refer to as well as verbal information. This information is also greatly appreciated by parents, before these options are discussed at parents evening.

AS/A2 level / Years 12 & 13:

Design and Technology at this level is intended to promote a general understanding of the manufacturing world. The ability to both generate and communicate designs is central to the syllabus and it is expected that candidates should develop a high level of competence in recognising and solving design problems. They are expected to enter seriously into the role of the product designer and build up an awareness and understanding of design, and the knowledge and resources on which it draws, including all aspects of manufacturing. It is also expected that candidates will develop a critical appreciation of designed products and some of the broader issues relating to design and technology in society.

As well as a thorough understanding of the theoretical aspects of the course, candidates are required to develop a thorough understanding of the design process and apply this to their coursework projects. At Kent College we encourage pupils at this level to develop real solutions to real problems for real people. The specification followed is Product Design (3D), which is provided by the AQA exam board.