Ercall Wood Academy

"Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future." -- Robert L. Peters, designer and author

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality Design and Technology education make an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

At Ercall Wood Academy we aim to ensure that all pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. Students aim to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. Throughout KS3 there are many opportunities to build a foundation of knowledge to help embed knowledge and prepare them for their continued study at GCSE, this will be done through a range of projects.

In Product Design students learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices. The GCSE places great emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

GCSE AQA Design and Technology prepares students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students work creatively when designing, making and applying technical and practical expertise. The curriculum allows students to study core technical, designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment.