Head of Department: Miss Z Auburn
Teaching Staff: Mr S Duffy, Mr R Purcell, Mr E Taylor
Technician: Miss S Waldron
Level of teaching:Currently Key Stage 3 (Year 7 & Year 8 starting in 2020)
Subject Summary
The Design and Technology department is a new and exciting emerging subject at Saint Gregory’s. Year 7 students, starting in 2020, were our first students to embark on our new technology journey. This new subject will offer our students the addition of learning new skills and confidence in using a range of materials and tools.
Students are able to develop a combination of skills and knowledge using Product and Graphic Design to create 3D and 2D products. Student’s syllabus then progresses with engineering and construction projects. They produce work that focuses on problem solving and building skills for future careers.
Though we currently have two Year groups, Year 7 and Year 8 completing the Design and Technology curriculum, our objective is to further develop the subject to GCSE level and beyond. Our aim is for all students to have the opportunity to choose a Product Design GCSE in Year 9, enhancing their creative learning and skills to allow them access to Britain’s thriving design market and industry.
The programme has been developed to design the next generation of ethical design professionals. Through a project-based approach, we provide students with real life concepts allowing for individuals to research, design and create products for a chosen design market.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Year 7 Product Design
UNESCO Project: Introduction to DT and graphic design and the meaning of design.
Skills set:
- What is DT; What design means, brief and course outliners
- Looking at Designers
- Perspective. One point perspective with shapes, landscapes, detailed rooms
- Two-point perspective in buildings and city views (thinking in 3D)
- Isometric design (design and engineering)
- Impossible shapes
- Multi-linking shapes
- Multi-linking buildings
- Plans and elevations
- Develop IT graphic design skills
Juggling bags: Journey into learning how to follow a specification and design brief. Use these skills to design a circus themed set of juggling bags. As we do not have a DT room (to be completed over the summer holidays) this textiles project allows us to access some materials and skills used in product design.
Skills set:
- Following a brief and specification
- Circus themed designs developments (Initial, developed, and final)
- Analyse existing products (ACCESSFM)
- Designing circus themed designs using fabric pens
- Working diary of progress
- Use a set template
- Cut and pin fabric accurately (Felt)
- Use a running and cross stitch
- Fill a 3D shape (Rice)
- Analyse and evaluate final outcomes (WWW EBI)
- Extension activity: Recycled cotton drawstring bag to contain the set of juggling bags
Year 8 Product Design
Due to lock down and the Covid 19 pandemic Year 7 students last year were unable to complete a textiles project. For this year only students in Year 8 will complete the juggling bag project to develop basic sewing skills and further develop them in the next project. Thus, allowing them to catch up on any missed learning.
Juggling bags (this year 8 academic year only): Journey into learning how to follow a specification and design brief. Use these skills to design a circus themed set of juggling bags. As we do not have a DT room (to be completed over the summer holidays) this textiles project allows us to access some materials and skills used in product design.
Skills set:
- Following a brief and specification
- Circus themed designs developments (Initial, developed, and final)
- Analyse existing products (ACCESSFM)
- Designing circus themed designs using fabric pens
- Working diary of progress
- Use a set template
- Cut and pin fabric accurately (Felt)
- Use a running and cross stitch
- Fill a 3D shape (Rice)
- Analyse and evaluate final outcomes (WWW EBI)
- Extension activity: Recycled cotton drawstring bag to contain the set of juggling bags
Ugly dolls: Students will further develop their textiles skills to produce an Ugly doll. Ethos “It doesn’t matter what you look like, embrace your flaws and love who you are”
Skills set:
- Follow a DreamWorks design brief and specifications
- Analyse existing Ugly dolls (ACCESSFM)
- Working dairy of progress
- Produce a mood board inspired by ugly dolls, monsters, germs, bacteria… and key words and textures
- Use research to develop; Initial, Developed and a Final design for their Ugly doll.
- Make their own templates (different body parts and facial features)
- Stitch skills: Embroidery- cross and running stitch (Prior learning). Appliqué and padded appliqué.
- Free Skills: googly eyes, pipe cleaners and any extra recycled material.
- Stitch a 3D soft toy using fleece, felt and recycled materials. Filled with wadding.
- Analyse and evaluate final Ugly doll. (WWW EBI)
- Extension activity: Design a packaging for your Ugly doll. This could be done by hand or using learnt skills on sketch up and blender.
Year 9 September 2022
Future intentions for September 2022:
Our intentions are to offer Year 9 students further skills in DT with a wider range of materials and access to more tools and equipment. One project currently developed is a clock project using wood, plastics, and clock mechanisms.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
This course is not studied at Key Stage 4 but this is due to change from September 2023.
Key Stage 5 at the New Sixth (Years 12-13)
This course is not studied at Key Stage 5.
Graphic and Design & Technology News
St Gregory’s awarded ‘Music Mark School’
We are thrilled to announce our school’s recognition as a Music Mark School, having been nominated by our local music hub, West of England Music Alliance (WEMA).
Updated Exam Guides for GCSE and A Level Students
Students in Years 11 and 13 will shortly receive updated guides to assist them with their preparations and revision for GCSE and A Level subjects in 2022.
