Design and Technology

Design Tech The aims and objectives of our department are to improve students' knowledge, skills and awareness of design and technology from the past, present and future. To challenge the minds in a creative and innovative way so students learn how to think and work independently in solving practical tasks.

We aim to empower students to take responsibility for their own learning, raise achievements, build confidence and provide the opportunities for students to understand the moral, environmental and social issues surrounding the design and technology developments in our rapidly changing world.

Overview

Year 7- Infinity and Beyond (Curriculum link with Science)
Year 8- Enterprise (Curriculum link with ICT)
Year 9-Technology Options

Year 7

This is an exciting new curriculum offering students the skills to learn in a creative, interactive and fun way. Students complete a range of different projects which incorporate Design and Technology and Science as well as having cross curriculum links with other subject areas. (e.g Maths, English, Art, History)

Projects

Licence to Frill- Safety within the rooms

This is the first project students carry out where they learn how to use tools and equipment in each curriculum area. Students will learn skills to work with:

Bunsen burners
Microscopes
Chemicals
Food Hygiene
Equipment in Resistant Materials, Textiles and food room.

Fling it- Roman History comes alive

Students learn about the history of the Romans and the technology inventions that still play an important part in our lives today.

In Science they learn about forces and how this is used in the making of some of the Roman war equipment.
In food, students make Dormouse Bread
In Textiles students learn about the Roman army before they design and make a uniform.
In Resistant Materials students use the knowledge from Science to make small Fabergé eggs to see whose ball can travel the furthest.

Infinity and Beyond- Travel through Time and Space

This is an exciting project where students will rotate around a range of different topics linked with space. These are:
Space Travel, Space Equipment and Food, Time Travel , Planets, Rocket Building, Star Stories and Space History.

Dragons Den- Time to face the Dragons of the Academy

Students form teams to design and make a product that they take to The Hereford Academy Dragons Den. Who will gain their backing no one knows. Whoever is chosen, their team gains extra cash and the Dragons expert help to make the product to sell in the Academy.

Silent of the Sheppard- Who Done It?

Which teacher killed the Principal and why? Students become forensic scientists to find the killer. They investigate the crime scene, collecting evidence which they test just like real FBI agents. They slowly eliminate the teachers by cross examining them until they decide who it was. Students then go to court to give evidence and if they are correct the killer goes to jail.

Year 8

When students reach Year 8 they are ready to take on the extra skills needed to develop their subject knowledge within Design and Technology. We have found that students are more independent and engaged after they have experienced the Year 7 curriculum.
In Year 8, Technology has linked with ICT and has come up with a range of fun and exciting projects to push students skills and abilities catering for a variety of learning styles.

Environments -The 11th Hour

Students learn about the environment and the solutions to change global warming through a range of projects
In construction students build small eco houses to understand the new materials that can be used and how new technology can help power and heat the building.
In resistant materials students look at eco cars and design and make solar panel vehicles

Operation Raj People in Purple (P.I.P)

Ever wanted to learn to be a spy? Then this is the place to do it. In this project students become spies and set up their own spy ring. They undertake spy training before they make spy equipment to help them in the job. Of course all top spies know it's important to eat healthy food as they travel the world, so in Food they learn how to cook a range of different meals from different countries.

Box of Delights -A surprise awaits for you.

This project has been developed by the students themselves and is a complete surprise. No one apart from a select few knows what is in the box and I refuse to spoil it. But it is exciting and fun with lots of great interaction with other students and teachers!