Technology
Subject Overview
“We are changing the world with technology.” Bill Gates
Welcome to the Technology Department at The North School which comprises both design technology and food technology. Within the department we strive for our students to develop their knowledge and understanding of this board curriculum area as well as developing their practical skills. The overall aim of the department is to develop students into problem solving individuals who take an interest in the knowledge they are gaining and who can demonstrate a wide range of practical skills which will serve them well as they move into the wider world outside of school.
KS3
At key stage three the students work on a rotation system between design technology and food technology spending two terms in each department.
Food Technology
In year 7, 8 and 9 food technology students develop their knowledge and understanding of nutrients and balanced diets, various equipment and cooking methods as well as a range of ingredients that they then use in practical lessons in order to produce impressive sweet and savoury dishes such as savoury breakfast muffins, mini meatballs and rice, ham and pea risotto, and chicken kebabs with flatbreads.
KS4 Hospitality and Catering
At KS4 the student’s study WJEC Level 2 Hospitality and Catering. We offer a vocational course that gives students access to hands-on practical cooking experiences as well as detailed knowledge of the hospitality and catering industry. The course is split into 40% exam assessment on the hospitality industry (Unit 1: The hospitality and catering industry) and 60% No Exam Assessment (Unit 2: Hospitality and catering in action) which consists of planning, preparing and cooking a menu of their choice, taking into consideration both nutrition and practical skills.
In Year 10, we aim to develop the students' cooking skills of a wide range of dishes, allowing them the opportunity to reflect on their outcomes. We continue to build on the students’ knowledge of nutrition and health and safety. Students go on to complete an online Level 1/2 health and safety certificate, giving them an additional professional qualification.
In year 11, we encourage students to enhance their creativity within the subject and advance their cooking skills. This is in preparation for the students to start the ‘non exam assessment unit’ which is assessed in the Spring of Year 11. They then finish off with the theory formal exam that is sat in the summer.
Higher Education Links and Career Opportunities
Further study at college level including the food or hospitality industry, or apprenticeships in food and hospitality. There are career paths available as a chef or in food production, restaurant management, food manufacturing, nutrition and elsewhere in the public health sector.
KS3 Design Technology and Construction
In KS3 Design Technology, students complete a series of designing and making tasks, with evaluation of learning a constant theme throughout project work. The schemes of work provide the students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills within the subject areas of research, design, graphics and practical work. Schemes of work are based on the national curriculum units of study for Design Technology : Resistant Materials, Electronics, Textiles and Systems and Control.
KS3 – students complete a plastics project, learning about types, uses for plastics, as well as the issues surrounding the disposal of plastics and the effects on the environment. They also learn about industrial heat treating processes for plastics such as Vacuum Forming and line bending. They will also learn about types of woods, metals and other materials, such as smart materials, in the delivery of KS3 projects.
Students complete woodwork projects in the DT workshop, where they taught how to safely use tools and machinery in the project work. 2D Design and CAD/CAM are also an integral part of the KS3 national curriculum delivery for Design Technology. Electronic projects, such a speaker box or USB lamp, are also a planned part of the DT curriculum. Systems and control is delivered through levers, linkages and cam mechanisms.
KS4 WJEC Constructing the Built Environment – Level 1/2 Vocational Award
This course provides genuine work-related learning by a plan, do, and review approach, giving an opportunity to learn some fundamental and vital management, supervisory and tradesperson skills. The course will provide a broad appreciation of the built environment and prepare students for advancement in further education, apprenticeships, or careers within this vital sector.
The unit content and assessment -
Unit 1: Introduction to the Built Environment On-screen examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualification
Unit 3: Constructing the Built Environment Controlled assessment: 30 hours 60% of qualification
Examples of careers in the construction industry -
- Architect Engineer Quantity Surveyor Design Engineer
- Project Manager Designer Builder Safety Officer
- Tradesperson Site Engineer Building Control Inspector
- Town Planner Public Health Inspector Finance Officer
- Purchasing/Procurement Officer Caterer Security Officer
- Public Liaison Officer Specialist Sub-Contractor
A career in the construction industry is open to both men and women.
