All Design Technology teachers within the department aim to provide a friendly, safe and well equipped environment that gives all pupils the opportunity to independently create a range of solutions to a broad range of tasks or problems, whilst considering the impact on society and the environment. ● To provide pupils with opportunities and encouragement to use their intellectual and practical skills to solve problems initially by research and analysis, and then by having them go on to develop a range of viable solutions which they may manufacture. Various materials and technologies are employed to further these aims. ● To enable pupils to test the validity of their solution/s by providing them with the skills to make and evaluate a product. ● To establish an understanding of working materials and systems in a safe manner. ● To establish an understanding of basic technological concepts and their application. ● To develop the ability to communicate, verbally, visually, and by written means, all matters relating to the design/make process. ● To provide the opportunity for knowledge gained to be applied creatively. ● To stimulate and enlarge pupils’ attributes of initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness, self-involvement, co-operation, patience, sensitivity and commitment. ● To endow pupils with an appreciation of design and a discerning attitude towards manufactured artifacts and quality of work. CURRICULUM KS5 follows the AQA Product Design syllabus for their A-Level studies. This is a new specification which began teaching in 2017 and, amongst many topic areas, will test the students’ abilities in understanding: ● Historical, social, cultural and economical influence on design and technology ● Develop practical skills throughout the making of prototypes, including technical drawing skills ● Independent analysis and creative thinking, including ● Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities ● Technical principles including, material properties, scales of production and manufacturing techniques
The basic requirement is 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with ‘passes’ i.e. at least Grade 4 in Maths and English and, preferably, grade 6 or above in the chosen subjects.
Year 12 During the year 12 study the students begin to work through the syllabus in relation to theory, which is split between two examination papers. During this time students will begin to develop a deeper understanding of all topics covered in the syllabus, with examination practice and assessment points throughout the year. As well as theory topics the students undergo a range of practical activities which aim to take them through each assessment objective for their NEA assessment, allowing major development opportunities. The students move onto their Live NEA coursework during the trinity term. Year 13 Students continue with their NEA assessment by working through individual targets to fulfill the assessment criteria set by the AQA exam board. Each student will undergo a personal project and therefore will be working on different end prototypes. As well as working on their NEA which equates to 50% of their final A-Level grade, the students will continue to revise for their examination, and we do this through a range of revision and examination practice.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | West Park Road, Blackburn, BB2 6DF |
All Design Technology teachers within the department aim to provide a friendly, safe and well equipped environment that gives all pupils the opportunity to independently create a range of solutions to a broad range of tasks or problems, whilst considering the impact on society and the environment. ● To provide pupils with opportunities and encouragement to use their intellectual and practical skills to solve problems initially by research and analysis, and then by having them go on to develop a range of viable solutions which they may manufacture. Various materials and technologies are employed to further these aims. ● To enable pupils to test the validity of their solution/s by providing them with the skills to make and evaluate a product. ● To establish an understanding of working materials and systems in a safe manner. ● To establish an understanding of basic technological concepts and their application. ● To develop the ability to communicate, verbally, visually, and by written means, all matters relating to the design/make process. ● To provide the opportunity for knowledge gained to be applied creatively. ● To stimulate and enlarge pupils’ attributes of initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness, self-involvement, co-operation, patience, sensitivity and commitment. ● To endow pupils with an appreciation of design and a discerning attitude towards manufactured artifacts and quality of work. CURRICULUM KS5 follows the AQA Product Design syllabus for their A-Level studies. This is a new specification which began teaching in 2017 and, amongst many topic areas, will test the students’ abilities in understanding: ● Historical, social, cultural and economical influence on design and technology ● Develop practical skills throughout the making of prototypes, including technical drawing skills ● Independent analysis and creative thinking, including ● Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities ● Technical principles including, material properties, scales of production and manufacturing techniques
The basic requirement is 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, with ‘passes’ i.e. at least Grade 4 in Maths and English and, preferably, grade 6 or above in the chosen subjects.
Year 12 During the year 12 study the students begin to work through the syllabus in relation to theory, which is split between two examination papers. During this time students will begin to develop a deeper understanding of all topics covered in the syllabus, with examination practice and assessment points throughout the year. As well as theory topics the students undergo a range of practical activities which aim to take them through each assessment objective for their NEA assessment, allowing major development opportunities. The students move onto their Live NEA coursework during the trinity term. Year 13 Students continue with their NEA assessment by working through individual targets to fulfill the assessment criteria set by the AQA exam board. Each student will undergo a personal project and therefore will be working on different end prototypes. As well as working on their NEA which equates to 50% of their final A-Level grade, the students will continue to revise for their examination, and we do this through a range of revision and examination practice.