Wirral Grammar School

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Cross Lane, Bebington,
Wirral. CH63 3AQ
Tel: 0151 6440908

Curriculum Areas

Our curriculum provides for our pupils in terms of both their abilities and interests. We do not leap onto "trends" in terms of subject choices, but provide a curriculum that evolves in line with experience and a sensitive knowledge of the needs of the pupils.

In years 7 to 9 the National Curriculum is followed. Our timetable currently comprises 50 lessons taught over a two week cycle (A & B). Each lesson is 60 minutes long.

In KS4 (years 10&11) boys are able to choose certain subjects, and are guided through the process in year 9 when parents are invited to attend an Options Information Evening.

Subjects

Design & Technology

Welcome to the Design & Technology Department "Design & Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve the quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities, and respond to them by developing a range of ideas, and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects. Through D&T, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators." We aim to provide an opportunity for students to develop their own creativity, capability and entrepreneurial skills, to apply knowledge and understanding to a range of technological activities and to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills.

KS3

Design & Technology (KS3):

Year 7: In year 7 the boys will normally experience modules in resistant materials (woods, metals and plastics), graphics, structures and ICT. They will work with resistant materials learning basic marking out, cutting and joining. In graphics they will be introduced to 2D, 3D and one point perspective and symbology. In structures, the boys will investigate various aspects of structural design.

Year 8: In year 8 the boys build on their first year and are introduced to mechanisms instead of structures and ICT. In mechanisms, the boys will learn about gears, pulleys, levers, gear systems, brake systems etc, through a series of worksheets, crosswords and word searches.

Year 9: Year 9 is the final year of Key Stage 3. Teachers will draw together their assessments over the three-year period, and report to parents on their progress and levels of attainment. The boys will be introduced to electronics where they have the opportunity to learn about the basic principles involved in designing circuits and using electronic components. Electronics then becomes a GCSE option at KS4.

KS4

Design & Technology (KS4):

It is essential for boys to gain a deep understanding of the theory of this subject in order to apply this into problem solving and their design work. To assist this there are regular homework tasks to focus their attention on developing an awareness and appreciation of the tools, processes and equipment used, in both a school and industrial context.

The boys will work with a range of constructional and graphics materials, and then they are to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills into completing a "design and make" project. This, together with other examples of good practice in their coursework, will form the basis of their portfolio, which is submitted as part of their examination (60% of the final mark). They will also carry out a case study, which aims to look at the ways in which industry might 'design and make' products differently to the way we work in schools.

Assessment Scheme (GCSE):

a) Terminal Examination - 40%
b) Coursework Portfolio (includes case sudy) - 60%

KS5

Design & Technology (KS5): AS & A2

Unit 1: Product Development:
As part of the AS programme each student undertakes a design project covering all of the skills relating to Designing and Making i.e. clarifying tasks and developing ideas, solving problems, detail designing etc
Unit 2: Knowledge and Understanding of Product Design:
This unit looks at the study of; Materials and Components, Working properties of Materials, Product Manufacture and Design in Practice.
A2-The full A Level qualification is made up of the AS units plus two more units which are studied in the upper sixth.
Unit 3: Further study of Product Design: This unit looks at the study of a range of design related practices including Product Manufacture, Economics of Production and Advertising & Marketing.
Unit 4: Commercial Product Development:
This is a 'design and make' activity where students identify a client/user group from which they must design and make a product that meets the original need.