Design & Technology

Mrs B Dupre

Head of Technology

Technology at Honiton Community College

Design and Technology allows pupils to combine practical skills, problem-solving skills and creative thinking in order to design and make innovative products that meet a specified range of needs.

Our Design and Technology programme aims to stimulate pupils by providing them with a range of real-world situations for which to generate concepts and develop products, both as individuals and within teams. The projects will focus on building dexterity and manual skills, as well as encouraging students to use a variety of methods for realising and explaining their ideas.
There will be an increasing emphasis on ethical sourcing and production of materials, engaging students in the development of sustainable and recycled products.

Key Stages and Curriculum Maps

We are committed to equality and diversity and continue to work towards a fully inclusive curriculum.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 the projects are designed to introduce students to safe conduct in the workshop and cover a wide range of fundamental skills. Students will learn basic drawing and rendering techniques and consider the impact of Computer Aided Design and Manufacture on the design industry. They will gain confidence working in a range of resistant materials including plastic, metal and wood and using a variety of hand tools and workshop machinery.

Throughout Key Stage 3 students will continue to build on their practical and intellectual skills with an increasing understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, economic, industrial and environmental issues. Students will be able to reference existing materials and processes in design and technology to inform their work and work effectively, both independently and in teams, to generate innovative and revolutionary concepts within the limitations of the stated Brief and Specifications.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 can opt to follow GCSE 3D Design. The coursework is worth 60% of the GCSE and the core content includes learning about designing and working with a wide range of materials including wood, metal, plastic, mechanisms, and graphics.

The exam is a practical exam and worth 40% of the GCSE. Students can choose to specialise as they design and make a product of their own choice based on contextual challenges set by the exam board each year.