Technology
Staffing: Mr Wilson (Head of Department), Mrs. Warburton (i/c Food Technology), Mrs Astley and Miss Moore
In lower school (KS3) all pupils, irrespective of gender, will follow broad courses which are aimed at meeting the National Curriculum requirements at Key Stage 3.
Each pupil studies one hour of Food Technology and one hour of Technology per week throughout Year 7 and Year 8 before opting for one of these subjects in Year 9.
Pupils in upper school are encouraged to continue with their Design and Technology education to GCSE level via one of the three specifications offered. These currently include Food Technology, Graphic Products and Resistant Materials.
All of the specifications, which were new for 2009, share a common approach. Pupils have to design, make and test items through a major coursework project which can earn up to 60% of their final GCSE marks. The remaining 40% can be gained through the final un-tiered exam.
Key Stage 3
All pupils in Year 7 will be given a number of practical design activities aimed at ensuring all pupils have the same skill levels. In subsequent years, these skills will be extended and built upon through more open ended projects, ensuring pupils become more autonomous in their design thinking and practical abilities.
Key Stage 4
All pupils are invited to undertake a Technology subject to GCSE level. Year 10 pupils extend their skills learnt in lower school and spend the majority of Year 11 undertaking their final design and make project. We use the AQA examination board in all Technology subjects, the specifications for which can be found on their website www.aqa.org.uk.
