Design and Technology

In Years 7 and 8 students follow a rotation system of study in Design & Technology. They will spend approximately 18 lessons on each project and during these lessons they cover knowledge of materials, processes, tools and equipment specific to that material area and they also develop research, design and evaluative skills. In Years 9, 10 and 11 students can follow GCSE's in Design and Technology as well as Food Preparation and Nutrition.  In Years 12 and 13 students can follow an A level in Product Design or a Level 3 course in Food Science and Nutrition.

Programme of Study

All students in Year 7 - Follow 5 rotations lasting 7 to 8 weeks giving an experience in design and make projects within Food, Design and Technology (including wood/metal/plastic/textiles/Electronics/computer aided design and manufacture).

All students in Year 8 - Follow a further 5 rotations experiencing a higher level of design and make projects in Food, Design and Technology

GCSE - Students have the chance to opt for a GCSE subject in Design and Technology and/or Food Preparation and Nutrition.

A Level - 3D Product Design

Level 3 qualification - Food Science and Nutrition

Assessment

Assessments are completed by teacher marking of folder work, practical outcomes, homework and tests. Each student achieves a grade ranging from 1 - 9. The level descriptors are shared with the students and displayed in their folders for reference. Students are set targets to inform them on how to improve their progress.

In the Design and Technology Department we are aware that students enjoy the element of problem solving, being creative in the development of their individual projects and the practical aspect of making what they have designed. In addition to their classroom experience we run events and competitions during the year. These include:

• Rotary Young Chef of the Year for Year 10 Food
• Rotary Design Competition for Years 11, 12 and 13
• Technology Club for all Years
• Trip to the 'Good Food Show'
• Trip to 'Product Design in Action'
• Visit FESTO in Northampton

We are very fortunate in technology to have a wide range of facilities housed in a purpose built block of teaching rooms and workshops.

Equipment includes

• Interactive whiteboards and projectors
• 3 x IT suites
• Oculus Quest VR head set to aid sketching
• 3D printer and 3D scanner
• Laser cutter
• CNC Micro router and Milling machine
• Vinyl cutter machine
• Laser imaging transfer system
• 3 x Computerised sewing machines as well as normal sewing machines
• Industrial Blast Chiller to cool food down quickly
• Large range of  tools and equipment for use in workshops.
• Welding bay which includes MIG, braze and casting facilities

Design Technology

Food Science and Nutrition

ICT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is around us in our everyday lives. We take for granted that the technology is reliable and what it is telling us is truthful. We need to know about how to use it effectively so that we can gain some benefit from it.

At Sponne, ICT learning is available to all our students throughout the entire school. Although it is compulsory at KS3 and 4 (Years 7-11), it is a popular option in our sixth form. The faculty prepares all students for their KS3 SATs at KS3 and for GCSE IT at KS4. Some students chose to specialise in ICT more at GCSE and take Applied ICT. In the sixth form, students can take AS and A level ICT and some take the double award as well – we are one of only a small number of schools who can do this.

Students take their ICT learning seriously and this is demonstrated in the high examination results that are achieved. We aim to prepare students for adult life with the ICT skills they will require in their everyday lives as well as in the workplace in this ever-changing world in which we live.

We offer teaching that is matched to individual student’s ability and prior knowledge and support this with regular practical activities. Students make use of the numerous lunchtime and after school enhancement ICT sessions that are available.

Computing

At Sponne we recognise that an excellent standard of knowledge of computer systems is an imperative part of learning for the world in which we live. Our aim is for students to be able to access career paths at all levels knowing how to use any of the programs or devices they may encounter.

The computing curriculum is structured to ensure competences are met across three main strands; Computer Science; an understanding of computer systems and the programs used to operate them; Information and Communication Technology; a sound base of understanding in commonly used software platforms; and Digital Literacy; a competence in fundamental electronic understanding of the day-to-day necessities such as email or web management.

As student’s progress the curriculum diversifies to include an array of optional elements including pathways for the more visually creative elements allowing students to explore areas including sound, images, animations and video; in addition to the programming and software application study that begins at Key Stage Three. The courses selected for examination also allow for students to choose pathways designed for traditional academic study methods, or through vocational pathways designed to equip students with a skill-set enabling them to transfer directly into the working environment.

We recognise that this component of everyday life is constantly changing and evolving and the structure of the programme of study is designed to adapt to new developments within computer systems. Our approach is to enable students in multi-platform proficiency, so they are able to work confidently in any computing environment.