Curriculum Intent Statement

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. Students 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 makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Food & Nutrition: Pupils should be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.

Key Concepts

Connections

Related Concepts

Function

Statement of Inquiry

The connection between the food we eat and how our body functions is the most important relationship to achieving good health.

Careers

  • Nutritionist
  • Chef
  • Dietician
  • Catering manager
  • Teacher

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is hygiene and why is it important in food technology?
  • What are the different nutrients, and their functions in the human body?

Conceptual Questions

  • How are excess food consumption, exercise levels and obesity linked?
  • Why do different groups of people have different nutritional need?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent could this dish be considered ‘healthy’?

Key Concepts

Global Interactions

Related Concepts

Resources

Statement of Inquiry

British people rely on global food production to feed our population.

Careers

  • Dietician
  • Chef
  • Sustainability officer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • Where does our food come from?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why is intensive animal farming bad for the environment?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent do increased food miles impact the planet?
  • To what extent could this dish be considered ‘sustainable’?

Key Concepts

Global Interactions

Related Concepts

Markets & trends, sustainability

Statement of Inquiry

Market trends can influence efforts for a more sustainable world.

Careers

  • Fashion Designer
  • Sample Machinist
  • Textiles Designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What does ‘sustainability’ mean?
  • What is the difference between primary and secondary research?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why is a design specification important to the success of a product?
  • How does material choices and manufacturing techniques impact the sustainability of a textiles product?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent does market research influence the design of a product?

Key Concepts

Global Interactions

Related Concepts

Markets & trends, sustainability

Statement of Inquiry

Market trends can influence efforts for a more sustainable world.

Careers

  • Fashion Designer
  • Sample Machinist
  • Textiles Designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What does ‘sustainability’ mean?
  • What is the difference between primary and secondary research?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why is a design specification important to the success of a product?
  • How does material choices and manufacturing techniques impact the sustainability of a textiles product?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent does market research influence the design of a product?

Key Concepts

Products, methods

Related Concepts

Aesthetics, creativity, sustainability

Statement of Inquiry

Branding and overall company aesthetics helps to convey the companies product message.

Careers

  • Product designer
  • Set designer
  • Furniture designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is typography?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why is perspective important when drawing design?
  • How can we present research?
  • How can Primary/Secondary research support design work most effectively?

Debatable Questions

  • Do the best designers copy and get away with it?

Key Concepts

Products, methods

Related Concepts

Aesthetics, creativity, sustainability

Statement of Inquiry

Branding and overall company aesthetics helps to convey the companies product message.

Careers

  • Product designer
  • Set designer
  • Furniture designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is a safe working environment within a workshop?

Conceptual Questions

  • How do we spot potential dangers and help to maintain a safe working environment?
  • How does material selection affect product viability?

Debatable Questions

  • Is CAD/CAM sustainable within the design industry?

Key Concepts

Creativity

Related Concepts

Ergonomics

Statement of Inquiry

Product design can encourage people to interact/participate with historical Cultures & Cultural expression.

Careers

  • Product Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Carpenter

Key Concepts

Creativity

Related Concepts

Ergonomics

Statement of Inquiry

Product design can encourage people to interact/participate with historical Cultures & Cultural expression.

Careers

  • Product Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Carpenter

Key Concepts

Culture

Related Concepts

Collaboration

Statement of Inquiry

Culture and heritage impact the desires of different target markets.

Careers

  • Fashion Designer
  • Sample Machinist
  • Textiles Designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is the difference between primary and secondary research?
  • What is dye sublimation?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why is a design specification important to the success of a product?
  • What makes annotation of initial ideas successful?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent can research help me understand another culture?
  • How can I draw on practical skills acquired in year 7 to help me complete a working proto type of my bag?
  • To what extent can we tell if a product will be successful with the target market before evaluation?

Key Concepts

Culture

Related Concepts

Collaboration

Statement of Inquiry

Culture and heritage impact the desires of different target markets.

Careers

  • Fashion Designer
  • Sample Machinist
  • Textiles Designer

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is the difference between primary and secondary research?
  • What is dye sublimation?

Conceptual Questions

  • Why is a design specification important to the success of a product?
  • What makes annotation of initial ideas successful?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent can research help me understand another culture?
  • How can I draw on practical skills acquired in year 7 to help me complete a working proto type of my bag?
  • To what extent can we tell if a product will be successful with the target market before evaluation?

Key Concepts

Connections

Related Concepts

Adaptation

Statement of Inquiry

If we don’t adapt our diet to our needs, there is no positive correlation between the health of our body and the food we give it.

Careers

  • Dietician
  • Nutritionist
  • Chef

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What are the functions of different nutrients?
  • What nutrients are present in this dish?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can food cause obesity?
  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?
  • How can I use feedback to improve my progression through the MYP levels?

Debatable Questions

  • Is it possible to cure gluten intolerance?

Key Concepts

Communities

Related Concepts

Markets & trends

Statement of Inquiry

Traditional Mexican food needs to be adapted to be successful with a western market.

Careers

  • Dietician
  • Nutritionist
  • Chef

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

  • What is traditional Mexican cuisine? What skills will I use to make this dish?

Conceptual Questions

  • How can I achieve the MYP level that I am aiming for?
  • How can I use feedback to improve my progression through the MYP levels?

Debatable Questions

  • To what extent can we alter the flavour of a dish, whilst keeping it linked to its traditional origin?

Key Concepts

Creativity

Related Concepts

Communication

Statement of Inquiry

Sport and nature can be linked in an aesthetically pleasing way to promote sustainability.

Careers

  • Fashion Designer
  • Sample Machinist
  • Textiles Designer

Key Concepts

Creativity

Related Concepts

Communication

Statement of Inquiry

Sport and nature can be linked in an aesthetically pleasing way to promote sustainability.

Careers

  • Fashion Designer
  • Sample Machinist
  • Textiles Designer

Key Concepts

Identity

Related Concepts

Perspective

Statement of Inquiry

Different societal groups will have different perspectives on what classifies as British cuisine.

Careers

  • Nutritionist
  • Dietician
  • Chef

Key Concepts

Identity

Related Concepts

Perspective

Statement of Inquiry

Different societal groups will have different perspectives on what classifies as British cuisine.

Careers

  • Nutritionist
  • Dietician
  • Chef

Key Concepts

Systems/Ergonomics

Related Concepts

Scientific and Technical Innovation

Statement of Inquiry

How can scientific and technical innovation improve systems and ergonomics?

ATL

SELF-MANAGEMENT (IV. Affective):

  • Demonstrate persistence and perseverance (S:A:1B)
  • Practise analysing and attributing causes for failure (S:A:1C)

SELF-MANAGEMENT (Reflection):

  • Consider ATL skills development – What can I already do? – How can I share my skills to help peers who need more practice? – What will I work on next? (S:R:6)
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses of personal learning strategies (self-assessment) (S:R:2)

Key Concepts

Systems/Ergonomics

Related Concepts

Scientific and Technical Innovation

Statement of Inquiry

How can scientific and technical innovation improve systems and ergonomics?

ATL

SELF-MANAGEMENT (IV. Affective):

  • Demonstrate persistence and perseverance (S:A:1B)
  • Practise analysing and attributing causes for failure (S:A:1C)

SELF-MANAGEMENT (Reflection):

  • Consider ATL skills development – What can I already do? – How can I share my skills to help peers who need more practice? – What will I work on next? (S:R:6)
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses of personal learning strategies (self-assessment) (S:R:2)