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Design & Technology

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Key Stage 3

Design and technology at Nicholas Breakspear 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. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

In line with the National Curriculum the teaching of Design and Technology aims to ensure that all students:

Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Key Stage 4 -

GCSE 3D Design

3D Art And Design

Awarding Body: AQA
Subject Contact: Mr A Thompson

Course Outline

Why choose 3D Design?

Do you love solving problems and being creative? Or perhaps you just keep coming up with great ideas but don’t know what to do with them? If that’s the case, 3D Design could be for you! And it can open you up to a lot of career choices too. 3D Design is an area of study that focuses on planning, designing and creating things (called “products”) which people use.

Assessment

There are two components, comprising a ‘Portfolio’ selected from the course of study and an ‘Externally set assignment’, the specification provides students with a range of creative, exciting and stimulating opportunities to develop and explore their personal interests in 3D design.

Component 1 Portfolio

A portfolio that in total shows explicit coverage of four assessment objectives, developing ideas through investigation, refining work through exploration, recording ideas and realisation of 3D designs. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study.

How is it assessed

Non-examined unit, No time limit - 60% of GCSE

Component 2: Externally set assignment

Students respond to an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of four assessment objectives.

How is it assessed

Non-examined unit, Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time. 40% of GCSE

Transferable skills

In recent years, higher education institutions and employers have consistently flagged the need for students to develop a range of transferable skills to enable them to respond with confidence to the demands of undergraduate study and the world of work.

Career Progression

There are plenty! 3D Design can set you up for a career in a wide variety of industries such as fashion, engineering, architecture, information technology, construction, and even education. Popular careers for people with Art and Design 3D Design qualifications include: fashion designer, product designer, architect, software engineer, civil engineer, carpenter and chef.

More information regarding the course can be found at:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8205/specification

Graphics

GCSE Graphics

Awarding Body: AQA

Subject Contact: Miss H Coogan

Course Outline

Is this the right subject for me?

GCSE Graphics is the right subject for you if you enjoy:

Developing your visual skills and engaging with the creative process of graphic design

Developing and refining ideas: illustration, print-making, digital media & typography

Experimenting and taking risks with your work and learning from your experiences.

It’s really important that you have a passion for the subject and a desire to know more about historical and contemporary graphics, and how to use digital materials and processes to develop and express your own ideas. The course will give you the skills to enjoy, engage with and produce visual designs throughout your life.

What does the course involve?

You will develop your visual skills and build a portfolio of work by completing a wide range of activities and in-depth assignments. Throughout the course you will:

Develop and explore ideas

Select and experiment with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes

Record your ideas, observations and insights

Present personal and meaningful responses

Assessment

Component 1 Personal Portfolio

This component is worth 60% of your GCSE. You will produce a portfolio of work based on tasks agreed
with your teacher.

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

This component is worth 40% of your GCSE. You will produce preparatory studies and personal outcome(s) based on a theme set by AQA.

Each component is assessed out of 96 marks against the four Assessment Objectives.
Your teacher will mark your work and it will be moderated by AQA.

Career Progression

GCSE Graphics teaches a visual language and many important life skills such as problem solving, communication and critical thinking skills, which will prepare you for further study and the world of work, regardless of the subjects or careers you wish to pursue. As a subject in its own right Graphics leads to opportunities in many areas.

Careers involving Graphics are extensive and can involve

Architecture, Advertising, Animation, Theatre Design, Three Dimensional Design, Video, Broadcasting, Clothing, Communications, Community Art, Computer Aided Design, Computer Graphics, Conservation, Costume, Dance, Decorative Arts, Directing, Documentary, Drama, Exhibition Design, Fashion, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Industrial design, Interior Design, Journalism, Media Arts, Newspaper design, Photography, Publishing, Teaching, Television Production and Textiles, to name a few.

Hospitality and Catering WJEC

Awarding Body: WJEC

Subject Contact: Miss G Baffoe

Course Outline

Hospitality and Catering support learners who want to learn about this vocational sector and the potential it can offer them for their careers or further study. It provides learners with a core depth of knowledge and a range of specialist and general skills that will support their progression to further learning and employment.

There are two units:

Unit 1 – The Hospitality and Catering Industry

You will learn about the different types of providers within the hospitality and catering industry, the legislation that needs to be adhered to and the personal safety of all of those involved in the business, whether staff or customers. You will learn about the operation of hospitality and catering establishments and the factors affecting their success.

Unit 2 – Hospitality and Catering in Action

You will gain knowledge of the nutritional needs of a range of client groups in order for you to plan nutritional dishes to go on a menu. You will learn and develop safe and hygienic food preparation, cooking and finishing skills required to produce nutritional dishes.

Assessment

Unit 1:

Externally assessed. Students sit a ninety minute exam made up of a mixture of short and extended answer questions. Students are able to re-sit this exam once.

Unit 2:

Internally assessed. Students complete an assignment which is based on a set brief. They plan, prepare, cook and present various dishes making recommendations for individual customers needs.

Career Progression

This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about the vocational sector of Hospitality and Catering. Students gain an increased understanding of how to prepare and cook food as well as also gaining an increased understanding of the business side of the industry. May also lead to courses in Food Science and Nutrition.

Employment in Hospitality and Catering can range from waiting staff, receptionists and catering assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers and food technologists in food manufacturing.

More information regarding the course can be found at:

https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/level-12-vocational-award-in-hospitality-and-catering/

Key Stage 5

3D Art And Design

Course Content

The 3D Design A Level course enables students to explore a wide range of materials and processes to create 3-dimensional outcomes. You will become fully involved in the design process, experimenting and problem solving. You will be able to research, record and annotate from a wide variety of materials including paper, card, wood, metal, glass, plaster, clay and wire. Outcomes include architectural, lighting, body adornment, sculpture, furniture, set design, product design and 3D design.

What the course involves

Exploring materials hands on, refining your practice and developing skills
Using Adobe Creative Suite and SketchUp to present ideas and outcomes
Developing a portfolio ready for the creative industries
Working with external agencies on live briefs
Specialising for your Personal Investigation coursework in Year two

Learning Methods and Assessment

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%)

Component 2: Externally set assignment (40%)

Expectations of Students

The course is designed to enable individuals to follow their own particular interests, so a great deal of independent study will be expected. You must be able to work on your own outside the classroom sessions.

This requires a great deal of self-discipline, so a willingness to spend extra time preparing studies and
developing your ideas is important. You also need enthusiasm and commitment to enable you to create
original and exciting work!

Careers Prospects

This course leads to a wide range of career options including Architecture, Interior/spatial design, 3-dimensional design, Product design, Exhibition design, Design for television, Stage and film, Silversmithing, Model making, Environmental design, Sculpture, Furniture design, Transport design, Ceramics, Glass.

Awarding Body: Edexcel