Product Design

Intent

Product Design prepares pupils to participate in rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, to learn key skills and  become effect team members. This in turn helps prepare them for their future careers. They look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems using a variety of materials and ingredients. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, taking into account function and industrial practice.

As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects on society. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators in all aspects of life.

In Technology we aim to

  • develop in our students the creative and technical skills alongside the practical expertise needed to perform in a world full of ever changing technology
  • develop in our students the ability to a wide range of knowledge and the skills to apply this knowledge to real world situations
  • develop in our students the ability to grow an understanding of processes and skills needed to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
  • develop in our students the ability to evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
  • develop in our students the ability to understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
  • highlight the importance of STEM and STEM careers so students can make informed decisions and gain access to the next stage of work life after education.

Key Stage 3 Product Design is taught in Year 7, 8 and 9 within Design and Technology. Pupils will study Product Design as well as Textiles giving them the opportunity to experience a range of exciting Design and Manufacture projects. Within Product Design, pupils will experience working in a number of specialist areas including Materials Technology, Graphics, CAD/CAM and Electronics. All of the projects offered at KS3 are intended to encourage learners to become inquisitive about design, gain confidence working individually and in teams/groups and develop their initiative by becoming innovative, creative learners.

In Key Stage 4 pupils follow the AQA Design and Technology specification and focus on the material areas of Papers and Boards, Woods, Metals and Polymers.

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 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.

Key Stage 5 students follow the Edexcel A-Level Art and Design specification focussing explicitly in the fields of 3D-Design or Textiles Design.

The aims and objectives of the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Art and Design are to enable students to develop:

  • intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive capabilities
  • investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
  • independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating their own ideas, their own intentions and their own personal outcomes
  • an interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of art, craft and design
  • their experience of working with a broad range of media
  • an understanding of the interrelationships between art, craft and design processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate
  • knowledge and experience of real-world contexts and, where appropriate, links to the creative industries
  • knowledge and understanding of art, craft, design and media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures
  • an awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of art, craft and design.

Implementation

Y7 Design Technology Implementation

Y8 Design Technology Implementation

Y9 Design Technology Implementation

Y10 Design Technology Implementation Product Design

Y11 Design Technology Implementation Product Design

Impact

We know from all those who internally, and externally, review the work of our school that our pupils are cheerful, creative, conscientious and confident. Employers regularly tell us that our students are professional and act with honesty and integrity. Our Design & Technology and Computer Science staff and students in our care very much feel part of our Mercy community.

The D&T and Computer Science curriculum at St Anthony’s allows all students to develop their God given talents and gain the technical knowledge and skills needed to become confident individuals who are able to understand and evaluate technical information in order to make informed decisions that impact on their own lives and the lives of those around them. The D&T and Computer Science curriculum also enables students to develop an increasing awareness of the moral and ethical dilemmas technical discovery can bring and equips them with the knowledge and values needed to take part in the debates surrounding both design and technological issues, allowing them to become active citizens of the world. Regular oral and written feedback is provided to ensure all students are aware of their position on the learning journey, their strengths and targets, which they consider when taking their next steps.

We believe that the D&T and Computer Science curriculum provision at St. Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy leads to a mastery in key content of knowledge, skills and understanding. We believe pupils are also able to develop their cultural knowledge and understanding, allowing them a heightened cultural awareness of the globalised world in which they live. Through the D&T and Computer Science course provision, pupils are able to develop their confidence in designing and manufacturing as well as gaining skills in analysis and evaluation.

Staff in the D&T and Computer Science department support subject specific literacy and numeracy for all our pupils to help them succeed in their studies and they aim to holistically develop the gifts and talents of each individual within a caring, compassionate, charitable and challenging Christian environment.

Our impactful D&T and Computer Science curriculum develops students with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to have a positive impact within family, friendship groups, school/college, university, the workplace and the wider community. Our wide-ranging and broad-based curriculum offer, and varied extended curricular opportunities within D&T, provide an opportunity for everyone.

We know that our students are reliable, responsible, resilient and radical individuals who are ready to use their talents positively wherever life may take them. Generations of students have chosen St. Anthony’s over the decades and centuries. We are extremely proud of our alumni, many of whom are regular contributors to our school community as it continues to grow and develop. Many families have fourth or fifth generation connections to our school and many staff have given decades of service, such is the impact of being part of this school community.

Everyone in our community is aware of what it means to be an Antonian: to pursue excellence, to build community, to show concern for those who may be disadvantaged and to particularly support the education of women and girls. We have definitely had an impact within this “city by the sea”, and well beyond it, especially working so closely with key international partner schools, since we were founded in 1904. We are confident that our distinctive ethos will continue to have a big impact as it is carried forward by future generations of Antonians.