Design Technology
Design Technology are inspiring, rigorous and practical subjects. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.
Students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on other subjects such as Mathematics, Science, ICT and Business. They learn to become resourceful, innovative and capable citizens.
High-quality Design Technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth, health and wellbeing of the nation and through evaluation of products students develop a critical understanding of their impact on daily life and the wider world.
Facilities
The department has four specialist rooms:
- Two multi-material workshops, fully equipped to teach Product Design
- A CAD CAM computer suite including a laser cutter, a 3D printer and a vinyl cutter
- A multi-purpose design and engineering room
If you would like to get in touch, please e-mail: ipr@westfield.academy.
Key Stage 3
In Years 7 & 8, Design Technology is taught in small, mixed form classes of 18–24 students.
Both Years 7 & 8 each include 24 weeks of Product Design and 12 weeks of Food & Nutrition.
An example rotation is as follows:
Rotation 1
- Year 7: Architecture & Graphics
- Year 8: Electronics
Rotation 2
- Year 7: Engineering & Textiles
- Year 8: Resistant Materials
Rotation 3
- Year 7: Food Preparation & Nutrition
- Year 8: Food Preparation & Nutrition
Key Stage 4
Years 9, 10 & 11 - Eduqas GCSE Product Design
This course encourages a practical approach to problem-solving, following a series of set briefs that closely tie theory into a practical outcome, and allow students to design and make products with creativity and originality. It is a rigorous course which helps to develop relevant life skills including problem-solving, creativity and resourcefulness.
They will experience a variety of practical disciplines and use a range of materials and techniques. It aims to equip pupils to design and produce products with broad consumer appeal and real market feasibility.
Final projects adhere to one of three annually set board briefs, but offer enormous scope for personal creativity within these. It will take a year to complete the project, producing a prototype and a portfolio. This will be 50 percent of the grade. The other 50 percent will be a written exam, based on technical principles, in-depth knowledge and designing and making principles.
Key Stage 5
Years 12 & 13 - Eduqas Design Technology: Product Design AS & A2
The AQA Product Design course encourages students to work with an external client to develop a solution to a real world problem, chosen with a focus on university courses. Students produce a design portfolio and practical outcome which accounts for 50 percent of their total grade. Two examination papers at the end of the course account for the other 50 percent of the final grade.
The department has an enviable record of past students now leading their field in Architecture, Interior Design, Furniture Making, various fields of Engineering & Transport Design.
Exams & Assessment
Key Stage 4
There are two GCSE Design Technology subjects currently on offer - Food & Nutrition and Product Design. Both GCSE options involve a design portfolio and practical outcome which accounts for 50 percent of their total GCSE. Both are rigorous courses which help to develop relevant life skills including problem-solving, creativity and resourcefulness.
Eduqas GCSE Product Design
This course encourages a practical approach to problem-solving, following a series of set briefs that closely tie theory into a practical outcome, and allow students to design and make products with creativity and originality. It is a rigorous course which helps to develop relevant life skills including problem-solving, creativity and resourcefulness. They will experience a variety of practical disciplines and use a range of materials and techniques. It aims to equip pupils to design and produce products with broad consumer appeal and real market feasibility. Final projects adhere to one of three annually set board briefs, but offer enormous scope for personal creativity within these. It will take a year to complete the project, producing a prototype and a portfolio. This will be 50 percent of the grade. The other 50 percent will be a written exam, based on technical principles, in-depth knowledge and designing and making principles.
Key Stage 5
AQA Design Technology: Product Design AS and A2
The AQA Product Design course encourages students to work with an external client to develop a solution to a real world problem, chosen with a focus on university courses. Students produce a design portfolio and practical outcome which accounts for 50 percent of their total grade. Two examination papers at the end of the course account for the other 50 percent of the final grade.
Enrichment & Extracurricular
These change throughout the year according to needs and requests from students, but we currently run an F1 in school clubs.
Visits
The department organises KS4 and KS5 visits to explore relevant exhibitions or places of interest. Visits include New Designers at the BDC in Islington and the Design Museum in Kensington.