Design Technology Key Stage 3

KS3 students (year 7, 8 and 9) follow schemes of learning based around the English National Curriculum framework. Activities that promote key literacy skills have been built into the schemes. Year 7 are initially given a baseline test which dictates their end of year target. All students in KS3 revisit the three different areas of study each year which allows progression year upon year. The following topics will be studied throughout the year: CAD/CAM, Workshop skills, Systems and control.

Skills such as working with traditional hand tools, using computer based software and design skills will be taught during KS3.

Year 7

Year 7
Week
Topics to be coveredHome Learning
1What the project is about and assessment objectives. How a product analysis of an existing product can help you write a design criterion for your own product. The importance of accuracy. What is plywood and its properties. Learn how to use basic hand tools.
Research: Plywood
2The aim of this lesson is to learning how to accurately measure, mark out and cut plywood pieces. Learning the importance of Health and Safety and workshop etiquette how to use the Belt Sanders, Scroll saw and Pillar Drill safely.
-CAD/CAM
3Learning the importance of Health and Safety and workshop etiquette how to use the Belt Sanders, Scroll saw and Pillar Drill Safely. Learn the importance of accurately and preparation when gluing their pieces together. Learning what an appropriate cut split line is.
Learn how to draw, develop ideas and render them to look like real wood grain.
Geometric Patterns
4Continue to imbed the importance of Health and Safety and workshop etiquette how to use the Belt Sanders, Scroll saw and Pillar Drill Safely. Learn the importance of accurately and preparation when gluing their pieces together. Learn how to draw, develop ideas and render them to look like real wood grain. Learning how to use Oblique projection to draw in 3D.
Research: Equipment
5Understand that different grades of sand paper give you a different surface finish. How to use a Scroll saw safely.
Oblique Projection
6Continue to imbed accuracy when measuring and cutting insert tabs. Knowledge of how wood can be coloured using stains. Gain an understanding how to generate decorative ideas using a repeat pattern.
- Geometric Patterns
7Learn how to use Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture can be used to manufacture products and components. How to use 2Design.Geometric Patterns 2
8Laser cutting a final locking mechanism for the box and application onto box. Drawing styles once complete
Rendering
9Project evaluation and suggestions for improvements

 

Year 8

Year 8
Week
Topics to be coveredHome Learning
1Students will be introduced to the brief and expected to carry out research into the Alessi
Alessi Mood Board
2Students will be introduced to designing ideas through using their image board. Students will test different compositions of shapes to create intriguing designs.
Students will need to consider the clock mechanism.
Measuring Assessment
3Students will be learning how to use 2Design to draw their ideas ready for the laser cutter
Research - Equipment
4Students are learning a range of skills in the workshop to ensure they can manufacture their former for Vacuum Forming
Definitions
5Vacuum forming.
CAD/CAM Plastics
6The aim of this lesson is to gain knowledge and understanding of vacuum forming over their former. Students will also line bend their acrylic.Alessi Designers
7The aim of this lesson is to drill clearance holes and countersunk holes to connect the clock to the base.Health & Safety
8Technical drawing styles – Oblique/Isometric/Orthographic
Rendering Final Design
9Project evaluation and suggested improvements

 

Year 9

Year 9
Week
ThemesHome Learning
1Students will be introduced to the brief and expected to carry out research into the areas of a developing country & people with a disability. Students will investigate the target market.
User Profile
2Students will begin to look at existing products and begin to complete a product analysis investigation. Students will thoroughly analyse the products in order to inform their design ideas.
Task Analysis
3Students will look into the use of ergonomics and how the body interacts with products and objects. They will investigate products that feature heavily with ergonomics. Students will begin to create their design ideas for the tooth brush. Students will critique their design ideas and suggest improvements
Ergonomics in the home
4Students will create a CAD drawing of their design ideas in order to visualise a final outcome.
Understanding CAD/CAM
5Student will begin to model their ideas with a particular focus on ergonomics – Use of smart materials and polymorph
Smart Materials Research
6Students will begin to create their final practical outcome in the workshop using hand tools and skills developed.
Health & Safety
7Continuation of practical outcome. Focus on finishing techniques
Design Rendering
8Visual communication of their final idea – Students will complete a number of drawing styles relating to their final design – Isometric / Orthographic Isometric Drawing
9Evaluation – Students to complete and evaluate any outstanding work