Curriculum
Intent:
Design and Technology at Rainford is a stimulating, rigorous and practical subject encompassing the four specialist areas of Graphics, Product Design, Food and Textiles.
Our curriculum strives to present a range of opportunities for students to develop their creative, practical and technical skills as they design and make prototypes and products that solve real life problems within a variety of contexts, considering both their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We will encourage students to take risks in their design approaches and aim to develop resourceful, innovative and enterprising young learners who can go on to be the next generation of creative thinkers, designers and practitioners.
Implementation:
The carousel structure at KS3 will allow students to experience the diversity of each specialism and prepare them for further study at KS4 and beyond should they choose this subject option.
At KS4 students will be given the opportunity to focus on their chosen specialism and opt for the course that best suits their own career aspirations or interests. We will continue to offer both GCSE and Vocational courses which are designed to fit the needs of a wide range of learners.
Students will develop skills, knowledge and understanding across the specialist areas and draw on cross-curricular links with other subjects such as mathematics, science, ICT and art to further enhance their studies. Through the evaluation of products, their own work and the work of prominent practitioners within the chosen specialism they will develop a critical understanding of the impact of Design and Technology on society and the wider world.
Vocational options for Graphics and Hospitality/Catering will focus on work in those sectors and will be assessed through practical outcomes and coursework assignments rather than traditional academic examinations.
Impact:
In Design and Technology our aim is for all students to embrace and enjoy the subject matter across all disciplines in KS3 as they develop skills, knowledge and understanding which encourages them to opt for the subject and go on achieve outstanding results in their chosen specialism at KS4 and KS5.
As they move on from Rainford, students who have studied a Design and Technology specialism will be armed with a wide range of skills including practical and creative problem solving, communication, presentation and technical know-how to put them in a strong position to apply for a related higher level course or apprenticeship, or move confidently into the employment market.
Possible careers and opportunities
Study in this area can lead to a wide range of future opportunities in several sectors including:
- Product Design: Joiner, Engineer, CNC operator, Machinist, Construction worker.
- Food: Chef, Dietician, Home Economist, Nutritionist, Catering Manager, Journalist, Restaurant Manager, Hotelier, Hospitality, Leisure/Tourism Worker.
- Graphics: Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Games Designer, DTP, Creative Art worker.
- Textiles: Fashion Designer, Textiles Designer, Milliner, Stylist, Pattern Designer, Interior Designer.
Facilities
The department consists of 8 teaching rooms with 2 dedicated to each subject specialism.
- S101/102 Graphics: Full suite of PCs, in-class printing facilities, range of graphics tools and equipment.
- S103/105 Textiles: Full range of sewing machines, heat press, range of textiles tools and equipment.
- S105/106 Product Design: Fully equipped modern workshops, freestanding machines, traditional work benches, range of specialist tools and equipment, suite of sewing machines.
- S110/111 Food: Full range of cooking facilities, food preparation area, specialist tools and equipment, study area, refrigeration facilities, dishwasher and laundry facilities, class set of laptops.
- The department also has a further suite of computers in the open area, 2 state of the art laser cutters, a large format vinyl cutting machines, digital printing/scanning facilities and a materials preparation/storage room.
Support
The Design and Technology Department is very well equipped to offer additional support to students with a range of learning needs through varied teaching approaches and with differentiated resources. Staff are available at lunch times and after-school to offer further support in the completion/improvement of student work.
Extra-Curricular
The Design and Technology Department offers lunch-time clubs for KS3 students at certain times of the year in and these will be advertised in class and on the display monitors around school.
To download subject overviews please follow the link/s below:
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Graphics
Hospitality and Catering
Product Design