Year 7: From the beginning of the year students are engaged in a range of exciting designing and making activities as they learn how to design and make in all of the subject areas of Textiles, Resistant Materials and Food Technology and Graphics. They start with an integrated project that helps them understand how to work in different materials safely. Then as the year progresses students take on more challenging tasks that allows them to use their individual creativity.
Year 8: As the students’ confidence level increases they are encouraged to use their skills to Design and make larger projects that are levelled using National Curriculum criteria. The full range of the subject areas in Technology challenges the students to design artefacts using Computer Aided Design and modern Materials and processes.
Year 9: Students start the year by moving around the material areas to better inform them of the type of courses on offer in GCSE and BTEC including the subject of Product Design. They design jewellery, packaging and a new communications device with a twist! In Textiles students customise a `T` Shirt and design and make a bag to their own design. In Food Technology learners explore the manufacturing processes that relate to Cook Chill meals. In Resistant Materials students use a range of manufacturing techniques to create exciting designs and practical pieces.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Resistant Materials GCSE gives the students an opportunity to work in wood, metal and plastics to create projects of their choice. They use modern Materials and machinery and the course has a strong vocational feel and cutting edge Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing techniques are used to help students prepare for the world of work. Coursework counts for 60% of the GCSE Grade. This course is particularly suitable for those students who are creative in using their practical skills.
Textiles GCSE In the first year of this option, students will discover how Textiles features in the exciting world of design. They will develop a wide range of skills and be encouraged to experiment when they design and make projects, like items of clothing. In Year 11 Students put together an impressive portfolio which explores Industrial design through ICT and design drawings. They then choose the subject of their final piece. Coursework counts for 60% of the GCSE Grade.
Food Technology GCSE students will focus on the use of food as a material, it various properties and the effect of processing. They will also look at the appropriate selection of tools and equipment which enable food to be cut, formed, shaped and finished. Students will investigate the development of products to meet particular market requirements and will look at the commercial production of a range of popular foods. Much of the course will be taught through practical tasks which will enable a range of skills and processes to be developed
BTEC Engineering First Diploma Level 2 This is a new innovative course that gives students the opportunity to work at Dudley College and gives them an insight into the world of Engineering. It also allows them to achieve a vocational qualification which leads them on to level 3 courses in Engineering and Apprenticeship schemes.
Product Design GCSE students will be given the opportunity and freedom to express their creativity and innovation for the design and making of conceptual products. Students will be expected to become competent in the use of Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing. A challenge is completed under exam conditions exploring their flair and risk taking of new products. The students will be given the opportunity to recognise the influences of iconic products, trend setters and technological developments. Over the two years four modules are completed accounting for 100% coursework.
Graphic Products GCSE students are given the opportunity to explore both visual imagery and production of 3 dimensional outcomes. Students will be introduced to a wide range of design techniques and materials including Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing appropriate to modelling, prototyping and manufacturing of products. The outcomes are made considering the implications of industrial manufacture. This course is suitable for students who have a flair for designing and making using card and foam board. Coursework counts for 60% of the GCSE Grade.
Post 16 opportunities and progression routes for further study
Food Technology There are a variety of courses relating to Food Technology at Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies and at Wolverhampton College. Examples of courses taught at Birmingham include: NVQ Restaurant Services NVQ Chef/food production BTEC Hospitality and Supervision Career opportunities include: State Registered Dietician, Chef, Food Technologist, Catering and Hospitality.
Resistant Materials There are a wide range of courses offered by the local colleges that ask for a practical subject including GNVQ Construction and the built environment, apprenticeships. CNC Manufacturing and Computer Aided Design.
Product Design and Graphic Products Examples of Degree courses at Wolverhampton University include; Architectural designers Computer aided design and construction Graphic designers Interior designers 3D product designers
Textiles Further studies in this subject can involve A level Art and Textiles, a foundation course in Art and Design (Stourbridge College). Higher Education opportunities include BA and Degree courses. Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Worcester all offer courses in textiles.
