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 covered | Home Learning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What 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 |
| 2 | The 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 |
| 3 | Learning 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 |
| 4 | Continue 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 |
| 5 | Understand that different grades of sand paper give you a different surface finish. How to use a Scroll saw safely. | Oblique Projection |
| 6 | Continue 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 |
| 7 | Learn 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 |
| 8 | Laser cutting a final locking mechanism for the box and application onto box. Drawing styles once complete | Rendering |
| 9 | Project evaluation and suggestions for improvements |
Year 8
| Year 8 Week | Topics to be covered | Home Learning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Students will be introduced to the brief and expected to carry out research into the Alessi | Alessi Mood Board |
| 2 | Students 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 |
| 3 | Students will be learning how to use 2Design to draw their ideas ready for the laser cutter | Research - Equipment |
| 4 | Students are learning a range of skills in the workshop to ensure they can manufacture their former for Vacuum Forming | Definitions |
| 5 | Vacuum forming. | CAD/CAM Plastics |
| 6 | The 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 |
| 7 | The aim of this lesson is to drill clearance holes and countersunk holes to connect the clock to the base. | Health & Safety |
| 8 | Technical drawing styles – Oblique/Isometric/Orthographic | Rendering Final Design |
| 9 | Project evaluation and suggested improvements |
Year 9
| Year 9 Week | Themes | Home Learning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Students 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 |
| 2 | Students 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 |
| 3 | Students 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 |
| 4 | Students will create a CAD drawing of their design ideas in order to visualise a final outcome. | Understanding CAD/CAM |
| 5 | Student will begin to model their ideas with a particular focus on ergonomics – Use of smart materials and polymorph | Smart Materials Research |
| 6 | Students will begin to create their final practical outcome in the workshop using hand tools and skills developed. | Health & Safety |
| 7 | Continuation of practical outcome. Focus on finishing techniques | Design Rendering |
| 8 | Visual communication of their final idea – Students will complete a number of drawing styles relating to their final design – Isometric / Orthographic | Isometric Drawing |
| 9 | Evaluation – Students to complete and evaluate any outstanding work |
