Design and Technology (Year 10)

Exam Board

AQA

What will you study?

What will you study in Design & Technology?
Over the course of the three terms, you will study the following, making use of the various tools, machinery and resources within the department:
Autumn Term

– Evolution of Design: Choose a product – how has it changed? – Trends & fashions, technology, materials etc.
– Sculptural/Architectural Study – The work of others – explore a Sculptor and Architect of your choice exploring their work.
– Yinka Ilori and David Adjaye – Cultural Inspired Design Task – adopt the style of Yinka Ilori or David Adjaye and redesign elements of SHS.
– Team Challenge—Concrete Planters – work as a team to design and make a batch of concrete planters + stand. You will learn about team work, levels of production and more.

Spring Term

Lighting Project:
– Investigative skills, using techniques such as product analysis and creating a mood/inspiration board.
– Ideating – design skills
– Modelling skills
– Making skills
– Evaluating and reflecting – looking back to move forwards

Summer Term

NEA (Coursework):
– Choosing a context and exploring it
– Identifying a problem
– Exploring the problem – research skills – internet research, product analysis, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, visits etc.
– Writing a design specification – identifying/setting the parameters of the design task e.g. aesthetics, functionality, materials, ergonomics and anthropometrics etc.

Useful tips and resources

How can you prepare for Design Technology in Year 10? (non-web based)

– Take an interest in the World around you – take photos of things that catch your eye, practice your sketching and doodling. Why not go for a walk around London exploring the work of the ‘New London Fabulous’ design movement.
– Visit the departmental and school libraries and explore the books and resources on offer.
– Visit the V&A and Design Museums and view the exhibitions on Design and beyond.

How can you prepare for Design Technology in Year 10? (web based)

– BBC Bitesize
– Technologystudent.com
– Design Museum – Designer/Maker/User

What super curricular activities can KS3 students engage with at school?

GCSE Extension Club – an opportunity for you to work on your projects and NEA outside of the timetable, enabling you to stretch and challenge yourself and take advantage of the specialist support available within the department. This opportunity occurs weekly.

– Surrey SATRO Problem Solving Competition – a team-based engineering problem solving opportunity where you will have to collaborate to explore and think creatively to produce a solution to a given problem. You will compete against other schools across Surrey and if successful will be invited to participate in the regional finals.
– Arkwright Scholarship Programme – an engineering-based scholarship opportunity where you can gain sponsorship to put towards your sixth form studies and beyond (Does require you to take an engineer-based course at University). If successful it can lead to work experience opportunities in an engineering-based environment.
– Mobie Design Awards – Architect and TV presenter George Clarke founded MOBIE in 2017 to give young people a voice about the future of our homes. New architectural challenges are launched each year for students to solve.
– Make:able Design Awards – This is a User-centred design challenge where students have to design and make life-improving devices/products for people with disabilities.