Design & Technology

Results

Our faculty offers excellent provision from teachers who are passionate about technology.  We endeavour to support young people in accomplishing the highest standards as well as developing an understanding of becoming a citizen in an increasingly technological society and becoming discerning consumers.

In Summer 2019, GCSE students achieved grades which were above national averages, with coursework results well above national averages. The quality of our coursework was recognised by external moderators as “outstanding and innovative” We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality Design & Technology provision as well as further education opportunities.

Our A Level Product Design course shares the success of the VI Form where we have 100% Pass rate, our 2019 A Level results place us significantly above the national average. Higher Education destination courses include BSc Architecture, BA Product Design and BSc Industrial Design.

Why take Design & Technology?

Design and Technology (D&T) is the inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which prepares all young people to live and work in the designed and made world.

Secondary design and technology builds on the skills and knowledge children have already learnt at primary school. It leverages increasingly sophisticated resources, including dedicated teaching environments, manufacturing equipment and specialist teaching. As students progress through this phase, they may be given the opportunity to focus on specific aspects of the subject such as product design, food technology, engineering, systems and control, electronics, textiles and graphics.

“Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works.” Steve Jobs

However, at its core, is creativity and imagination. Students learn to design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. To do this effectively, they will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on additional disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.

KEY STAGE 3

Camborne Science and International Academy recognises the importance of Design & Technology in education, employment and industry.  Because of this, our Key Stage 3 programme is compulsory for all Year 7 and Year 8 students and plays a vital part in the curriculum.

“Design & Technology should be the subject where mathematical brainboxes and science whizzkids turn their bright ideas into useful products” James Dyson

Our Key Stage 3 Curriculum was redeveloped for 2016/17 to stretch all students to their full potential. Students experience working with a range of materials, working on project based tasks in the areas of Product Design, Graphic Design, Food and Nutrition and Textiles. Students are assessed on the following skill areas:

• Investigating
• Designing (except for Food and Nutrition)
• Making
• Evaluating

These four areas are assessed as these are the same skills assessed at GCSE level. Projects in each material area typically last between six and twelve lessons, based on the level of demand in the project.

Each project will allow students to specialise in or “Master” a particular area of interest. We encourage students to be in control of their own learning, and they will be given clear guidance on what they need to do to fulfil their potential.

KEY STAGE 4

We have a broad subject offering at Key Stage 4.  These options may complement each other with many students opting for more than one at the end of Year 8.

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep.”

GCSE Design & Technology

Imaginative practical work is at the heart of this course. Students explore, design, create and evaluate prototypes to solve real world problems. Students gain a broad understanding of technical, designing and making principles and there are no restrictions on materials when making prototypes. The qualification should prepare students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. The course is assessed through a two hour written exam at the end of Year 11 which represents 50% of the grade. The remaining 50% is assessed through a designing and making project where students will produce an A3 design folder of around 20 sheets, together with a 3D practical outcome.

GCSE Textiles

During this course, students will explore different themes, and will learn a range of drawing skills, using a wide variety of media in their sketchbooks. They will study the work of Textile artists and fashion designers, and demonstrate that they can take inspiration from other’s work, as well as from the world around them. They will sample their ideas, using various textiles techniques, and produce unique final outcomes which can be textiles art, interior furnishing or fashion based. The course is 50% controlled assessment and 50% exam. The exam is a 5 hour practical exam which involves making a final outcome under exam conditions in the textiles classroom.

Level 2 VCert Food & Nutrition

The qualification is designed for learners with an interest in food and cookery. It will provide you with experience of using different cooking techniques and methods to enable you to use these within

further education or apprenticeships. It will give you a basic understanding of the skills required for a career in food. It will help learners to:

• prepare and cook using basic skills
• understand food and its functions in the body and in recipes
• understand balanced diets and modification of recipes for health plan and produce dishes for a purpose.

This qualification is built on four units. Students can achieve a ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’ subject to them achieving the criteria. One unit is externally assessed (Unit 3) with the remaining units being internally assessed.

BTEC Construction & the Built Environment

The construction industry continues to experience labour shortages throughout the skills range. This qualification is built on two core units that form the fundamental knowledge and understanding of construction principles. This qualification includes one mandatory units as well as an additional optional specialist unit, thereby providing an opportunity to develop a broader understanding of the construction sector, i.e. the opportunity to acquire knowledge, understanding and practical skills identified by employers.

This qualification is broadly equivalent to one GCSE grade A* to C. One of the four units is externally assessed through a one hour examination; the other three units are internally assessed. Students can achieve a ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’ subject to them achieving the criteria.to C.

VI FORM

Our VI Form meets the needs of all students and provides qualifications that are demanded by both industry and higher education. CSIA VI Form offers a transition from all Key Stage 4 Subjects.

A Level Product Design – This modern qualification gives an insight into a range of computing systems, including an understanding of the principles of programming and the solving of problems. The course will prepare students for university courses in computing /computer science, or for work in the ICT industry.

Year 12

Paper 1 Technical Principles
120 marks (30% of entire A Level), mixture of short and extended response questions.
Paper 2 Designing & Making Principles
Section A: Product Analysis (30 marks)
Section B: Commercial Manufacture (50 marks)
Total 80 marks (20% of entire A Level)
NEA (Non-examined Assessment)
Substantial design and make project, assessing the practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles. 100 marks (50% of the entire A Level).

Year 13

Paper 1 Technical Principles
Paper 2 Designing & Making Principles
NEA (Non-examined Assessment (deadline April 2019)
A Level Art Textiles – The course is 50% controlled assessment and 50% exam.

During this course, students will begin year 12 with a series of drawing and technique workshops. They will then conduct a design and make project, on a theme of their choice. They will conduct primary visits and write about artists, designers and exhibitions they have seen. They will draw first hand from objects related to their theme, using a wide variety of techniques including collage and print. They will then produce textiles samples, learn how to be analytical about their work, and how to refine their skills and record this process.  They will produce a final piece which will showcase their skills and ideas. In year 13 they will conduct their personal study, a visual study into a topic of their choice, accompanied by a 3000 word written element.  They will then choose a topic for their exam, from 8 exciting starting points issued by the exam board. They will produce preliminary work, before sitting a 15 hour practical exam in May in the textiles classroom. This is sat over 3 consecutive days, and the students will produce a stunning final piece.

STAFF

TEACHING STAFF

Mr T. Burt        Director of Learning Design & Technology
Miss P. Tippett    Teacher of Design & Technology
Miss K. Brown     Teacher of Food & Nutrition
Mrs J. Brooker     Teacher of Design & Technology
Mrs E. McIntosh    Teacher of Design & Technology
Miss E. Weston     Teacher of Design & Technology
Mr O. Kirkbride      Teacher of Design & Technology

TECHNICAL SUPPORT STAFF

Mr R. Crow
Mrs S. Julyan