Design & Technology
The Design & Technology department at Cockermouth School strives to develop students’ knowledge and understanding to evolve their design thinking and manufacturing skills so that they can be successful in all areas of Design and Technology.
We pride ourselves on delivering a curriculum in which students are motivated by hands-on experience of the full design process, using a range of skills including investigative and research skills, iterative design skills modelling and manufacturing, as well as critical analysis and evaluative skills. We allow students to experiment and take risks, in a safe and positive learning environment. We challenge students to produce high quality outcomes.
Imaginative teaching embraces new technologies; resembling modern, industrial processes, whilst retaining the best of traditional practices. Students learn to be conscious about their design choices and the impact modern technology has, both on society and our environment; this is embedded throughout their journey in Design & Technology.
We are confident that students leave our department having the skills and confidence to innovate and produce creative solutions to real-world problems.
Key Stage 3
Does the Design & Technology Department follow the National Curriculum? |
Yes |
Students in Year 7 are involved in researching, analysing, designing, and manufacturing products using nature as their main source of inspiration. Together we explore the term Biomimicry and understand how designers use nature to influence the look and function of their products. Students also develop knowledge and skills in technical textiles techniques, including both construction and decoration methods.
Sustainable design is the main focus of Year 8. Students develop their knowledge and skills in how designers consider their products' impact on the environment and how we, as both designers and consumers, can lower our carbon footprint. Students will also develop knowledge and understanding of technical components and processes linked to materials categories such as timbers, metals and electronic systems.
In Year 9, students study the career of architecture. Throughout this unit, students develop skills in technical drawing, analysing/evaluating and have a greater understanding of concept modelling and 3D CAD. Students will also develop an understanding of user-centred design, inclusive design and ergonomics.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, the department offers two preference courses, GCSE Design & Technology and a Cambridge National in Engineering Manufacture.
GCSE Design and Technology
Students who opt to take GCSE Design & Technology will follow the Edexcel specification which comprises 50% Non Examined Assessment (NEA) and 50% terminal written exam.
During the first year of the course, students will learn to express their ideas in 2D and 3D work using a variety of techniques, including digital technology, CAD, CAM and 3D printing. They will have a good understanding of the history of design and technological innovation and the basic concepts, as well as the responsibilities of designers. They will also develop knowledge and understanding of technical principles of core materials such as timbers and metals. From June, students begin work on their NEA. Contexts are provided by the exam board and students will choose one context in order to establish their own design problem and solution, based on their own interests and personal experiences. Students can choose from a range of focus points and materials areas for this assessment.
During the autumn and spring terms of Year 11, students will continue to develop their design concepts in response to their chosen NEA context. The spring term will see the students complete a fully working prototype that demonstrates a range of technically demanding construction processes as well as high-quality finishing techniques. Alongside the NEA, students will continue to develop their knowledge and skills in design and technical principles in preparation for the summer examination.
For more information on the GCSE Design & Technology Specification use this link.
OCR Cambridge National: Engineering Manufacture
The Cambridge National qualification is a blend of NEA and written exam with a more practical focus.
Year 10 (New specification)
Students will work on developing skills and understanding of technical knowledge and processes.
R014: Principles of engineering manufacture - This is assessed by an external exam.
In this unit students will learn about the different types of manufacturing processes and the different materials that can be used within manufacturing. Topics include: manufacturing processes, engineering materials, manufacturing requirements and developments in engineering manufacture.
R015: Manufacturing a one-off product - This is assessed by a set assignment.
In this unit, students will learn how to safely plan and produce a one-off product by using appropriate processes, tools and equipment. Topics include: planning the production of a one-off product, measuring and marking out and to safely use processes, tools and equipment to make a product.
Year 11 (Legacy specification)
R109: examination - Students work on developing skills and understanding of technical knowledge and processes for unit R109. Students will sit the examination in January of year 11 with the option to re-sit in the summer exam series.
R111: CAD/CAM - Students also develop CAD/CAM skills in order to complete the NEA unit. In this unit, students will interpret technical drawings in order to programme and manufacture a product using CAD software and CAM machinery such as the laser cutter.
For more information on the Cambridge National Engineering specification use this link.
Key Stage 5
Students who opt to take Design & Technology at A Level follow the Edexcel specification which consists of 50% NEA and 50% terminal written exam.
Students are involved in iterative design and creative processes, to explore, create and evaluate. This prepares learners to become critical, creative and innovative designers, engineers and consumers of the future.
In the iterative design project, students are involved in working on a single extended project, a research, analysis, design, make and evaluate task. Here students are required to produce their own design brief, working with a client to research and analyse a problem. They then design, model and make a working solution, culminating in a marketing strategy of the product and final client and student evaluations with further suggested improvements.
For more information on the A Level Design & Technology specification use this link.