The D&T department aims to encourage quality work and develop each student’s potential by providing an interesting, stimulating and enjoyable environment. As a department we have worked hard to produce a comprehensive, integrated and enjoyable set of modules which inspire the students.

Design Technology prepares students to participate in our rapidly changing world. The subject requires students to become independent thinkers who can solve problems for themselves. The combination of practical skills along with an understanding of aesthetics, social, environmental issues and how the manufacturing industry works, makes this a subject which will be used for life. By studying design and technology students can become innovators as well as informed users of products.

Design and technology enables students to:

• Understand how DT affects our lives
• Contribute to the use and development of technology in our society.
• Become independent workers
• Become problem solvers
• Understand the impact of design & manufacture on our environment
• Develop an open and enquiring mind
• Design and make products of quality
• Improve the self-esteem of young designers
• Make informed evaluations of products

During Key Stage 3, Design Technology is taught as one subject covering many areas of design. In order to cover the breadth of study required, some areas are taught as discrete specialisms. At Birkdale we teach in a rotation of specialist areas such as food technology, product design and resistant materials. This allows students to experience Design Technology from a range of practical and design-based fields.

At examination stage, GCSE Design and Technology will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making, and to apply technical and practical expertise. Our GCSE allows students to study core technical, designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth. Practical work is worth 10% of the course. Portfolio work is worth 40% of the course and an external examination is worth 50% of the course

This specification encourage students to:

• Demonstrate their understanding that all design and technological activity takes place within contexts that influence the outcomes of design practice; and develop realistic design proposals as a result of the exploration of design opportunities and users’ needs, wants and values
• Use imagination, experimentation and combine ideas when designing. Develop the skills to critique and refine their own ideas whilst designing and making, and communicate their design ideas and decisions using different media and techniques; as appropriate for different audiences at key points in their designing
• Develop decision making skills, including the planning and organisation of time and resources when managing their own project work. Develop a broad knowledge of materials, components and technologies and practical skills to develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes; and be ambitious and open to explore and take design risks in order to stretch the development of design proposals, avoiding clichéd or stereotypical responses
• Consider the costs, commercial viability and marketing of products and demonstrate safe working practices in design and technology, whilst using key design and technology terminology including those related to: designing, innovation and communication; materials and technologies; making, manufacture and production; critiquing, values and ethics.

The exam (50%) and non-exam assessment (50%) will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

AO1: Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities to address needs and wants.

AO2: Design and make prototypes that are fit for purpose.

AO3: Analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and other wider issues in design and technology.

AO4: Demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of technical principles, designing and making principles.

• There is progression to related AS/A2 subjects in Southport, though these may not have exactly the same titles.
• National Diplomas in Engineering.

At Examination Stage we study WJEC GCSE Hospitality and Catering single award. This course is 60% controlled
assessment and 40% written exam paper. Our controlled assessment is split into two tasks that each have a written and a practical element. The tasks are set yearly by WJEC and currently we are studying dairy products and international cuisine.

The topics covered by the written exam include:

• Understanding commodities
• The structure of a restaurant
• Environmental considerations within the catering trade
• Nutrition and menu planning
• Catering equipment
• Legislation.

By studying catering, students, as well as improving their cooking, will develop skills in time management, team work and organisation.