Design and Technology
Department Ethos
The ethos of the Design and Technology department at Cams Hill is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, innovation, and responsibility. The department aims to empower students to become innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and technologically proficient creators. It offers a dynamic and engaging curriculum that blends creativity, critical thinking, and real-world applications. The department promotes interdisciplinary learning, across a range of specialisms encouraging independent and collaborative learning and prepares students for future careers and lifelong learning. It also cultivates resilience and adaptability, teaches ethical and sustainable design thinking.
Skills for today, careers for tomorrow.
Learn more about Design and Technology at Key Stage 3
In KS3 (years 7, 8 & 9) pupils should receive four one hour lessons over the two week timetable of Design and Technology. The curriculum encompasses – working with Food, Product Design, and Textiles to provide a valuable experience. The challenges covered in lessons help to develop the skills much sought by employers and educators alike. They include problem solving, teamwork, analysis and making evaluative judgements. It offers an opportunity to design, implement ideas through practical application of skills along with an appreciation of advances in technological world. Through the range of experiences offered, all pupils will begin to think and work in a way that prepares them for life in the 21st century.
Facilities in the Department are well established and are comprised of 5 design studios which are gradually being converted to multi- use rooms to help facilitate the flexible approach to working with a variety of materials which is needed for the new GCSE courses. We are also fortunate to have ICT facilities in some of the rooms which help pupils to integrated computer aided design (CAD) and manufacture (CAM). We are also located close to the other ICT suites which are regularly used to support our curriculum. ICT facilities are further enhanced by the use of 3D printers, computerised sewing machines, scanners and a computer-controlled embroidery machine, control equipment, vinyl cutter and A2 sized laser cutters.
The aim of the department is to encourage and nurture pupils’ enthusiasm to ensure their success and build confidence, using a range of technologies and a variety of materials. Pupils work through design-based problems and investigative work, reviewing their ideas through an iterative approach to designing and making. We want the pupils to look forward to their Design and Technology lessons because they are challenging yet successful; allowed to think for themselves whilst developing creativity and producing quality work.
Learn more about Design and Technology at Key Stage 4
This department is in the fortunate position of being able to offer a wide range of options under the umbrella of Technology. We are at an exciting time as there have been significant changes in the curriculum and exams available for this subject. To best suit the needs of our pupils we are aiming to offer as many subjects as possible. From 2017 the GCSEs in Technology will be linear Students will sit all exams at the end of the two year course. We also offer a number of BTEC courses.
Currently at Key Stage 4 pupils can choose to study from the following courses:
- Art – Textiles
- Hospitality and Catering.
- Design and Technology – Timber & Boards
- Design and Technology – Electronic Systems and Mechanisms
- Child Development
- Health and Social Care
KS4 Technology is taught over 5 lessons a fortnight.
For further information on the Key Stage 3 and 4 Design & Technology curriculum, please contact Mr Chris Smith, Head of Design and Technology Department.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
We offer a range of activities for students to enrich their Design & Technology skills.
From competitions that are opened both locally and nationally at points in the academic year to regular weekly clubs. A new popular weekly club is our 3D printing club. Here students learn to design their own outcomes, modify them and rapid prototype them with PLA plastic in our suite of 3D Printers in our design studio.
In Textiles, students have attended a weekly club that allows them to explore costume design, linking Design & Technology with Drama.
Food and Nutrition offer a number of Bake offs in the year and competitions that students can take part in.