Design and Technology
Head of Department: Pardeep Singh
Deputy Head of Department: Emily White
Members of Department:
- Lydia Evans
- Juliet Birch
- Paula Higgins
Technicians:
- Halima Choudhury
The Design and Technology department at Morpeth is a multi-disciplinary department. We have five specialist teachers who are supported by very competent technicians . The department is very well resourced having its own fully networked ICT suite, subject specialist rooms and a range of specialist equipment including a laser cutter, a variety of sewing machines and printing equipment.
At Morpeth we teach Design and Technology within and beyond the framework laid down by the National Curriculum for D&T. Design and Technology helps to develop pupils' skills through collaborative working and problem-solving, and knowledge in design and materials. We aim to instil a sense of pride and accomplishment in designing and making. Pupils are challenged at their own level and all success is recognised.
We also aim to make our students aware of the value of Design &Technology and how it links with other subjects they are studying and also within wider society. Through our curriculum we ensure that all pupils are aware of current development in the area of technology, design and the wider field of craft.
We find that by giving every student a broad range of Design and Technology experiences, through Product Design, Textile Design and Food Preparation and Nutrition, we bring out the very best in each individual student and instil a love of design.
Key Stage 3
At KS3 (Year 7 & 8), pupils study Food, Textiles and Product Design. They spend twelve weeks in each of these three areas where they learn about a range of different materials, tools and processes. This is taught through ‘design and make’ projects, making Design and Technology lessons a highly enjoyable experience.
Pupils also learn about CAD/CAM through specialist programmes and will have opportunities to take part in ‘design and make’ challenges and competitions.
Projects taught at KS3 during 2024-25 academic year are as follows;
| Year Group | Textiles | Product Design | Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | Urban toys | Photo frame, aluminium dog tag | Introduction to food preparation and nutrition |
| Year 8 | Cushions | Pewter cast jewellery | Healthy eating/international cuisine |
Key Stage 4
We currently offer GCSEs in DT, Food Preparation & Nutrition and Textile Design.
Morpeth has a curriculum model which means that all our GCSE courses are one year in length with the equivalent of a day a week for each option subject. Pupils studying a GCSE course have opportunities to visit universities and design-related exhibitions which enhance their learning and understanding of the subject. We also offer a non-examined DT course for year 9 pupils to prepare them for a GCSE course in the following year.
| Qualification | Exam Board | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| GCSE Design & Technology | AQA |
|
| GCSE Food Prep & Nutrition | EDUQAS |
|
| GCSE Textile Design | EDUQAS |
|
Key Stage 5
We currently offer A level and AS level qualifications in Product Design and Textile Design. These courses will prepare students for higher study in numerous design-related degree courses. A Level students are also provided with opportunities to engage with employers in order to gain real life experience.
| Qualification | Exam Board | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| A Level Product Design | AQA |
|
| A Level Textile Design | EDUQAS |
|
Textile Design
The textile design A-level is very similar in structure to the GCSE course and comprises of 60% portfolio and 40% exam.
Year 12 is very much a foundation year, where pupils are encouraged to be experimental and creative within textiles and produce a sketch book of textile techniques.
In year 13, pupils focus on their portfolio. They select their own theme, usually an interest personal to them, and produce a folder of work that includes artist research, practical textiles experiments, photographs, fashion designs and developmental drawings. They then produce a textiles product or fashion garment inspired by their research.
For the exam element of the course, pupils are given a set theme by the exam board and must produce a folder of research connected to that given theme. The exam period culminates in a 15 hour practical exam in which pupils have to make a quality textiles product inspired by their research.
Product Design
A level Product Design course comprises of two units;
Unit 1: This unit is about testing their theoretical knowledge through examination.
Paper 1 is based on technical knowledge and is worth 30% of the course.
Paper 2 is based on design principles and is worth 20% of the course.
Unit 2: Non-examination assessment which is worth 50% of the course. Pupils are encourage to solve real life design problems using design strategies such as User-centred Design and Iterative Design.
This unit will be assessed by the classroom teacher and the course moderator for this unit.
Other Important Things To Know
There will be after school clubs open to all years. Our cookery club and knitting club have been a real success with record numbers of pupils attending. Design-related clubs also run during lunch-time and after school – the focus of these clubs will change from term to term.
