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Technology

The Technology Faculty at Wath Academy is focused on ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, achieve their full potential in Technology. The designing and making skills are integrated throughout all key stages to allow students to develop their flare and natural aptitude for Technology. Furthermore, the Faculty hopes to inspire a love of Technology and its application in society and, where necessary, prepare students for university-level study.

Students typically receive one lesson of Technology a week in years 7 and 8, two lessons per week at GCSE, rising to five at A level. Classes are organised by ability sets in Key Stages 3 and 4, though the exact structure varies depending on the year group and needs of the students.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 Curriculum is comprised of Graphics and Food Preparation and Nutrition with designing and practical skills integrated throughout.

In Year 7 and 8 students rotate around three areas of Technology every 10 to 13 weeks. The topics covered include a pewter casting and presentation case, a LED torch and pen, mobile phone or tablet holder, wind chime, tangram puzzle, structures, and a design movement clock. In Food Preparation and Nutrition we cover food room safety, food safety and hygiene, basic oven and knife skills and preparing dishes such as fruit salad and pinwheel pizza, stir fry and chocolate cheesecake.

Students will complete a variety of activities including practical work, use of ICT, numeracy and literacy skills, all of which will develop their technology skill base in preparation for GCSE.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students have the opportunity of selecting from the following Technology subjects to study as their GCSE option choice: Art/Design (Fine Art), Art/Design (Graphics), Art/Design (3D Product Design) or Food Preparation and Nutrition.

Year 9 is focused on securing students’ skills to establish a secure foundation for the GCSE before moving onto completing the required controlled assessment and examination preparation in Years 10 and 11.

GCSE Art and Design Graphics

In Year 9 students will work on a series of mini projects. These projects will focus on a number of packaging techniques, methods of manufacture and graphical processes, looking at different design influences and designers.

In Years 10 /11 students will focus on the controlled assessment, GCSE coursework. They will be given the opportunity to choose from a number of projects set by AQA. This will enable them to demonstrate the knowledge and experience gained in Year 9. This will be taught through a series of practical tasks and industrial visits.  Controlled Assessment (60%) and Examination (10 hours 40%)

CGSE Art and Design 3D

In Year 9 students will work on a storage project in the style of De Stijl or Memphis. These projects will focus on a number of  design and development techniques, methods of manufacture and graphical processes, looking at different design influences and designers.

In Years 10 /11 students will focus on the controlled assessment, GCSE coursework. They will be given the opportunity to choose from a number of projects set by AQA. This will enable them to demonstrate the knowledge and experience gained in Year 9. This will be taught through a series of practical tasks and industrial visits.  Controlled Assessment (60%) and Examination (10 hours - 40%)

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Food preparation and Nutrition is a vibrant fast paced course studied over three years. Students will study a wide variety of complex practical skills such as portioning poultry and making fresh pasta, alongside food science where students will be encouraged to experiment with different foods to understand the functional and chemical properties. The course is 50% coursework which is completed in year 11, and comprises a food science investigation and a food study culminating in a three hour practical exam. From Easter of Year 11 students will focus on preparation for the written exam. (50%)

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage 5 students can opt to study an A Level qualification in 3D Design

The 3D Design course offers students an opportunity to gain personal satisfaction and appositive experience from working with a variety of materials. The practical problem solving process will encourage independent learning, creativity and innovation. The  courses will reflect the real world of the product designer. Students will be openly encouraged and given the opportunity to visit exhibitions, manufacturers and designers when possible to support their learning.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Current extra-curricular opportunities within Technology include a weekly Jewellery club and design competitions. In addition many opportunities within school are available to students including cross curricular activities making and launching rockets within Science & Technology week, which is celebrated each year.

Throughout the year, the Faculty holds a number of targeted catch up and revision sessions, both after school and during holidays to support the progress and attainment of all students on Technology courses.

Facilities

The Technology faculty is comprised of 4 members of teaching staff. The team is supported by a dedicated technician team of two and a Departmental Support Assistant. Technology is currently taught within 3 workshops, 1 food room and 1 graphics / ICT room.  The faculty also has a technician preparation room and CAD / CAM is used extensively to make full use of the two versa laser machines we have at present.