Design and Technology

Head of Department: Pardeep Singh

Deputy Head of Department: Wendy Sargeant

Members of Department:

  • Emily White
  • Bilkis Rahim
  • Anisah Khan
  • Catherine Walker

Technicians:

  • Adrian Fielder
  • Pinky Rahman

The Design and Technology department at Morpeth is a multi-disciplinary department. There are specialist teachers who are supported by two competent technicians.

Our faculty is fully resourced to teach new curriculum and all of the subjects in DT are taught in specialist rooms. There are two wood work/ metal work workshops, an ICT suite / CAD/CAM facilities, a food room and a textiles room.

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.

At Morpeth we aim to excite our pupils by developing an interest in the possibilities within the field of design. We are proud to teach a broad programme of study where all pupils are fully aware of their journey through Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5 and are able to appreciate the point from where they started, where they are now and where will they go from now. 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.

As well as providing a wide scope of opportunities to design and make, our curriculum gives all pupils opportunities to develop their organisation and oracy skills through homework and classwork.

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.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum utilises the time frame to develop skills in designing and making as well as provides an introduction to some of the tools and equipment used in design. This includes an introduction to the sewing machine in textile design, using CAD/CAM in product design and planning and cooking a nutritious meal in Cooking and Nutrition, amongst other skills. The content of KS3 takes into account prior knowledge pupils have from previous years and considers the progression to KS4.

At Key Stage 4, pupils have the option of specialising in Product Design, Food Preparation and Nutrition or Textile Design. And at Key Stage 5 they can choose from Product Design and Textile Design. In Design and Technology we are committed to providing our students with choices based on their own individual learning styles. With Product Design catering for those pupils with a more methodical and scientific approach to design and Textile Design catering for those who favour a more creative and artistic approach to design.

 It is our aim that these different approaches to Design and Technology helps all students to acquire skills and knowledge that inspire and empower them for life.

Key Stage 3

Key stage 3 at Morpeth refers to years 7 and 8. 

Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups (20 pupils per group). Small group size makes teaching practical subjects manageable and enjoyable. This has a significant positive impact on pupils’ progress.

We run a carousel system in which pupils spend one term on each of the following subjects: Food Preparation & Nutrition, Product Design and Textiles Design. Pupils have one session (1hour 50 minutes) per week in DT.

Textiles

In year 7, pupils design and make a felt ‘Urban Toy’ and are introduced to textiles techniques including hand and machine sewing and applique.

In year 8 we build on these skills, gaining more confidence with the sewing machine and textiles processes. Pupils research a ‘Day of the Dead’ theme and design and make a tote bag inspired by their research. Pupils are also introduced to new decorative techniques including block printing and fabric painting.

Product design

In year 7, pupils design and make a “Wall Clock” using a range of materials and manufacturing techniques. They also learn about designers of the past/ present and are introduced to various drawing techniques such as Isometric and perspective drawings.

In year 8, pupils manufacture three different products:

  • Photo Frame using wood
  • Mobile Phone Holder using polymers
  • Medallion using aluminium

Pupils work from teacher-produced “Working Drawings” to manufacture these products.

During this carousel, pupils are introduced to advanced manufacturing techniques such as forming, shaping and embossing. 

Food

In year 7, pupils are introduced to the concept of healthy eating and learn basic cooking skills while also building on their knowledge of nutrition and health and safety in the kitchen.

In year 8 they build on the skills learned in year 7 and learn about international cuisine. Students plan, prepare and make selection of international street food that meets the needs of specific target group.

Key Stage 4

We currently offer GCSEs in DT, Food Preparation and Nutrition and Textile Design.

At Morpeth all of our GCSE courses are one year in length with the equivalent of one day a week for each option subject. Pupils are also taught in mixed-age groups (Years 9 – 11). 

Pupils studying GCSE have the opportunity to visit universities and design-related exhibitions which enhance their learning and understanding of the subject.

Textile Design GCSE

The textile design GCSE course comprises of 60% portfolio and 40% exam.

For the portfolio - pupils explore the theme of ‘Natural Forms’ and produce a folder of work that includes artist research, practical textiles experiments, photographs, fashion designs and developmental drawings. They then produce a final textiles piece, 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 10 hour practical exam in which pupils have to make a quality textiles product inspired by their research.

DT-GCSE course comprises of two unit:

  • Unit 1: A two hour long exam paper worth 50% where pupils will be tested on technical principles, materials and industrial processes.
  • Unit 2: Non-examination assessment which is worth 50% of the course. Pupils will be given a contextual challenge which they will focus on to produce a design portfolio and make a prototype.

Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE

The food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE comprises of a written exam worth 50% of the overall mark and two non-exam assessment tasks.

The non- exam assessment comprises of task one: food investigation (30 marks) and task two: Food preparation and assessment (70 marks). Practical investigations are a compulsory element of the non-exam assessment.

Key Stage 5

Our Key Stage 5 offer is very popular and increasing numbers of pupils choose to study A-level Product Design (3D) and Textile Design. A number of our pupils go on to study design-related courses at degree level.

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.

DT Pathways Assessment Plan

Click for DT Pathways Assessment Plan

Food Preparation and Nutrition Assessment Plan

Year 7 Assessment Plan

Year 8 Assessment Plan

Product Design Assessment Plans

Year 7

Year 8

GCSE Assessment Plan

Year 12

Year 13

Textile Design Assessment Plans

Year 7

Year 8

Year 12

Year 13