Academic Departments

Design and Technology

"I believe that Design and Technology is as essential to education as the ability to read and do arithmetic...Design and Technology in schools gives children access to all of this and more in a stimulating and real context ."
James Dyson

Design and Technology is an exciting subject which deals with the constantly changing world of design and manufacture, encouraging pupils to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life, and focuses very much on designing for commercial manufacture whilst considering new technologies, smart materials and green issues.

Pupils can study Design and Technology through all years, from First Form to Upper Sixth, with an emphasis on Product Design. In addition to learning about the process of designing and critically analysing products, pupils develop a range of design and presentation skills through a variety of mediums including the use of computer aided design. Practical skills are introduced and developed from the first form in our well-resourced workshops. Pupils will learn to use a variety of hand tools and machinery on a variety of materials, including woods, metals and plastics, and also experience computer aided manufacture through use of one of our laser cutters.

Key Stage 3:

Design and Technology in First and Second Forms gives all pupils the opportunity to develop their own creativity through design and make projects. Pupils will be given a foundation in a range of design skills, materials and manufacturing techniques on projects which allow them to input their own creative design elements.

At the end of the Second Form pupils can opt to continue studying Design and Technology in the Third Form. This year is spent developing skills further, particularly for those who wish to opt to continue the subject to GCSE.

GCSE: AQA Design and Technology: Product Design 4555

At KS4 pupils can opt to follow GCSE Product Design.

This course encourages students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. Packaging, labelling and instructions are encouraged as part of the complete design proposal and advertising, points of sale, etc can be used to supplement the making experience and help create products which can be evaluated for their commercial viability. Students will be enthused and challenged by the range of practical activities possible, as the specification seeks to build upon the multimedia approach already studied at KS3.

The course provides candidates with the opportunity to design and make a product, or range of products, using a wide variety of materials. Whilst paper/card continues to be the compulsory material for study in this multi-material specification, students must study at least one other material and are encouraged to develop an awareness of other material areas. Evidence of designing can be submitted in a range of formats including A4 or A3 folders, sketchbooks or electronically, whilst making can be evidenced in the form of a working or non-working prototype.

Full details of the course can be found at:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcses/dandt/new/product_overview2.php?id=06&prev=06

The specification provides an excellent route into GCE Product Design and the Diplomas in Manufacturing and Product Design, Creative and Media or Engineering at level 3.

Course Structure:

Unit 1: Written Paper (Examination)
40% of total marks
2 hours
Candidates answer all questions in two sections. Pre-release material issued.

Unit 2: Design and Making Practice (Controlled Assessment)
60% of total marks
Approximately 45 hours
Consists of a single design and make activity selected from a range of board set tasks.

Further information concerning the controlled assessment can be found at:
http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/newgcse/pdf/AQA-4540-4575-W-CA.PDF


AQA AS/A2 Design and Technology: Product Design

GCE Product Design is a continuation of the course studied at GCSE but involves developing the Design and Technology ability in greater depth and detail. It is an exciting course which encourages candidates to take a broad view of technology and design, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing; often involving a client with whom they will work in the design and development of a product for the commercial market.

At  A Level the course is divided into 4 units:

AS outline
At AS level candidates develop an understanding of a broad range of materials, with emphasis on the life cycle of products, manufacture and final disposal. This specification also considers the broader issues for the designer including the environmental sustainability of products and consumer safety:

Unit 1 – PROD1 Materials, Components and Application
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
2 hour written paper
Based primarily on Materials and Components and consisting of three sections.

Unit 2 – PROD2 Learning Through Designing and Making
50% of AS, 25% of A Level
Coursework.
Written (or electronic) design portfolio and manufactured outcome(s).
Coursework may take a number of forms: a simple design-and-make project, two smaller projects or a portfolio of work

A2 outline
At A2, the specification offers candidates the opportunity to further develop the knowledge and practical skills from AS. Candidates will continue to develop a body of coursework alongside an understanding of the processes and procedures of commercial production and manufacture:

Unit 3 – PROD3 Design and Manufacture
25% of A Level.
2 hour written paper.
Based primarily on Design and Manufacture and consisting of two sections.

Unit 4 – PROD4 Design and Making Practice
25% of A Level
Coursework.
Written (or electronic) design folder and manufactured outcome.
Candidates submit evidence of a simple, substantial designing and making activity.

Further information about the course can be found at:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/technology/dt_product_3d_overview.php?id=07&prev=07

Design and Technology Scholarships

Design and Technology scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+. For further information please go to the Scholarship and Bursaries page.

Head of Department:
Dan Keep MA, BEd (Hons), NDD, ATP

Departmental staff:
Miss Emily Clement-Walker BA
Clive Fletcher DLC (Hons) - Technical Support

Sutton Valence School,
Maidstone, Kent ME17 3HL
Tel: 01622 845200
Fax: 01622 844103
enquiries@svs.org.uk

Sutton Valence Preparatory School, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3RF
Tel: 01622 842117
Fax: 01622 844201
enquiries@svprep.svs.org.uk