Ofsted Outstanding

Year 9 DT

Guidance for parents

What will students study in Design and Technology this year?

In Year 9 students will have opted for two major projects to focus their learning. These projects are of KS4 standard and challenge students to apply their STEM knowledge in response to highly creative opportunities. Students work in teams for the Ironbridge Enterprise project at the end of the year, where they produce a business plan for their chosen product and its coordinated packaging which they present in a Dragon’s Den Final.

Options for projects are:

  • An original Bird Box or Feeder in Resistant Materials. Students develop their sustainable design knowledge, use orthographic drawing and computer aided design to plan the making of highly marketable products.
  • In Textiles students design and manufacture an interactive Wrap Skirt which uses the Chemical Elements for design inspiration and features soft circuits and sublimation printing. Students also draft their own paper patterns.
  • In Graphics students identify a special occasion or event and produce a prototype for a Chocolate Box using 2D Design and Photoshop, manufacturing via the laser cutter. They also create internal packaging using the vacuum former.
  • In Food students produce street food dishes from different cultures to create a fusion of flavours that meet the needs of a target group. They investigate through product analysis, production methods and government led dietary requirements.
  • In Engineering students investigate Inclusive Design and apply a range of mechanical systems to create their own actuators for a mechanical grabber.

What are the major assessments this year?

After each project students set their own targets based on feedback, improving research, designing, planning, construction, or evaluation. Students are assessed on the projects completed for examination, responding to subject knowledge and design based questions.

What will the current performance grade be based on, and what do the levels mean?

The current performance grades are based on the design folder and each final product in line with a series of level descriptors. All students are given an assessment document at the start of the year.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in the subject?

In the first instance, she should speak to her subject teacher who will help to identify specific areas for improvement in the subject with targeted support.

How can I support my daughter in Year 9?

The best way to provide general support to Year 9 students is by discussing their work in the subject. If you can, access the CAD programs Techsoft 2D Design, Photoshop and Inventor and encourage your daughter to work through the free trials. Visit exhibitions and galleries for research. For any clarification of key knowledge and revision use the websites www.technologystudent.comand www.bbc.co.uk/education. It would be helpful if students can get involved in any DIY projects around the home and join lunchtime clubs in school.

What kind of independent work should my daughter be completing?

Students are given regular homework to complete and this should be recorded in your daughter's planner. To do well in Design and Technology she should use her assessment for learning pack which details all the outcomes that need to be completed and she should keep up to date with the research, design and evaluation homework she is set. There is a list of high quality websites here for her to develop her skills in the subject.

Who can I contact for further advice and information?

Please feel free to contact the Head of Design and Technology, Mrs Shilling, on fshilling@newsteadwood.co.uk with as much detailed information as possible.

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