As a faculty we aim for students to practically explore all areas of technology and develop into problem-solving, determined, and aspirational young people with a lifelong appreciation of Design and Technology.
Our purpose in Product Design is to initiate creative and critical thinking through practical investigation and experience. We aim to equip students with a firm understanding of the design journey; grounded in a contemporary social and cultural context, emphasising the importance of sustainability and emerging technological innovations. Students learn to use traditional skills in tandem with modern technologies to produce both relevant and thought-provoking solutions.
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous, and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. At The Heys School students will develop their knowledge and understanding of different materials, techniques, and equipment in Product Design. We have a strong spiral curriculum, with sequencing schemes of work that focus on recall, recap, and refine of knowledge and skills to build up students’ confidence and ability in all areas. Projects throughout Key Stage 3 will repeat and build on knowledge and skills to give a deeper understanding of the topic and give the students opportunities to develop their confidence within the subject.
At Key Stage 3 students are taught in mixed ability groups for 1 hour per week.
At Key Stage 4 these subjects form part of the options process and can be selected by students to study up to GCSE level.
At Key Stage 4 Students will have the opportunity to study Textiles as part of the Art GCSE design course. They will be taught in mixed ability groups for 3 hours per week.
GCSE Art and Design: TEXTILE DESIGN 8204
Regular marking, written and verbal feedback will be given to students to track their progress against the Assessment Objectives of the course, throughout each half term to highlight areas of strength and identify room for development. Feedback is directly linked to the relevant qualification criteria.
Throughout their time at The Heys School, students in Product Design are taught the following key skills:
To identify, investigate and outline design possibilities that address needs and wants.
To design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose.
To analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including prototypes made by themselves and others.
To demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of technical principles and designing and making principles.
To understand wider issues, including sustainability and environmental issues that link to the subject.
The topics students cover throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 are outlined in the link below:
Long Term KS3 and 4 Scheme of Work
KS3
Year 7 Themes:
Handwarmers project
Mini Monsters project
British Culture cushions project
Focus:
Baseline assessment in H&S
Textiles Equipment and Techniques
Origins of fabrics
Introduction to the sewing machine, tie dye, weaving
Year 8 Themes:
Supermarket Stitch project
Pop Art Project
Denim pencil case project
Focus:
Recap of H&S and Equipment
Introduction to Contemporary art
Look at the work of Holly Levell
Hand embroidery and applique
Study the work of Pop artists and the pop art movement
Sustainability in Textiles
The 6 R’s
Year 9 Themes:
Trashion Project 1
Upcycling/The Elements Project 2
Focus:
Recap of H&S and Equipment
Recap of Sustainability in textiles and the 6R’s
Introduction to ‘Trashion’ theme and ‘Wearable Art’
Look at the work of sustainable designers (Zero Waste Daniel)
Upcycling of clothing and the impact on the environment from fast fashion etc
KS4
Year 10 Themes:
Project 1: Surface texture and Pattern
Project 2: Cultures
Focus:
During Term 1, students will complete project 1 for their portfolio (60% of their GCSE)
During Term 2 and 3, students will start their second project for their portfolio.
Year 11 Themes:
Project 2: Cultures continued
ESA – Exam 40%
Focus:
During Term 1 students will continue their portfolio work, completing their Cultures project by Christmas.
January – The AQA exam paper will be released and students will work on their prep work up until their exam (usually in May)
