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Design Technology

“Scientists dream about doing great things. Engineers do them.” James A Michener

Design Technology and Engineering Is...

Design Technology and Engineering is the study of logical and creative processes where practical skills and theoretical knowledge come together to solve real world problems. The curriculum provides students with the opportunities to develop creative, technical and practical expertise alongside problem solving skills.

At Key Stage 3, students take part in a rotation, allowing them to experience both workshop-based manufacturing and CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing). Through these projects, students develop skills in designing, making and evaluating products using a range of materials, hand tools, machines and digital manufacturing technologies.

Guided by the National Curriculum, students develop knowledge of technological and engineering disciplines, materials, manufacturing processes and design principles. Design Technology and Engineering empowers students to independently research, plan, create and evaluate their work while encouraging creatively, resilience and collaboration. The subject prepares students for life in the 21st Century by enabling them to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world.

Sequence of Learning

Key Stage	Year	Rotation 1	Rotation 2
		Workshop Project	CAD/ CAM Project
3	7	Wooden Elephant Desk Tidy Students will learn about: Workshop Health and Safety Design process Measuring and marking out Cutting and shaping wood Joining and finishing wood Evaluating and improving work Properties of wood Knowledge Organiser Link	Laser Cut Keychain Students will learn about: What CAD/CAm is How CAD/CAM is used in Engineering CAD/CAM Health and Safety Creating basic 2D drawings in TechSoft Design Using the laser cutter safely Evaluating and improving their work The CAD/CAM design and manufacturing process Knowledge Organiser Link
	8	Acrylic Phone Stand Students will learn about: Workshop Health and Safety Safe use of hand tools The design process Measuring and marking out plastic Cutting and shaping acrylic Finishing acrylic Evaluating and improving their work The properties of plastic Knowledge Organiser Link	Laser Cut Jewellery Students will learn about: Different CAD/CAM processes Advantages and disadvantages of CAD/CAM Creating complex 2D drawings in TechSoft Design Using scale in Engineering drawings Adding dimensions to technical drawings The iterative design process Evaluating and refining designs Knowledge Organiser Link
	9	Wooden Box with Wood Joints Students will learn about: Workshop Health and Safety Safe use of fixed machines The design process Reading engineering drawings Measuring and marking out from drawings Cutting and shaping wood using hand tools and fixed machines Finishing wood using hand tools and fixed machines Evaluating and improving their work Knowledge Organiser Link	Laser Cut Puzzle Students will learn about: Products made using CAD/CAM Advantages and disadvantages of CAD/CAM Designing for a client's needs Creating complex designs in TechSoft Design Producing accurate CAD drawings Working with precise measurements The iterative design process How to conduct and create a risk assessment Knowledge Organiser Link

KS	Year	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
4	10	Bird Box (Introduction to the NEA) Students will learn about: Identifying and investigating design problems Researching and analysing user needs Developing and communicating design ideas Planning and manufacturing a product Selecting materials, tools and processes Producing a design portfolio CA5/6 Knowledge Organiser Link - Engineering Tools Equipment and Machines	Engineering Disciplines Applied Science and Maths in Engineering CA4 Knowledge Organiser Link - Engineering Disciplines	Understanding Engineering Drawings CA8 Knowledge Organiser Link - Health and Safety	Properties, characteristics and selection of materials Engineering Tools Equipment and Machines CA4 Knowledge Organiser Link - Material Properties and Characteristics	Production Planning Techniques Applied Processing Skills and Techniques Mock Exam CA5/6 Knowledge Organiser Link - Engineering Tools Equipment and Machines
11	Bike Spanner (Mock NEA) Students will learn about: Identifying and investigating design problems Researching and analysing user needs Developing and communicating design ideas Planning and manufacturing a product Selecting materials, tools and processes Producing a design portfolio CA5/6 Knowledge Organiser Link - Engineering Tools Equipment and Machines CA3/6/7 Knowledge Organiser Link - Engineering Drawing	NEA Project Set by Exam Board (60 % of Final Grade)	Review and Reteach of Content Areas 1-9	External Set Exam (40% of Final Grade)

Year

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2