The purpose of the KS3 Design Technology curriculum is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to be able to be successful individuals both in and outside of the school community. Students cover a range of life skills that will enable them to carry out tasks when they leave Severn Vale School as well as understand a range of practical and theoretical knowledge to be successful at GCSE.

What is taught and how?

The KS3 curriculum is taught in a rotation of Design Technology with Textiles, Timbers and Food Preparation and Nutrition. 

Design Technology with Textiles

Year 7 – Students spend 2 terms gaining knowledge of key techniques within the textiles classroom including use of the sewing machine, basic construction and decoration techniques.  Students then apply these skills in a design situation and produce a personalised cushion cover.

Year 8 – Students spend 2 terms developing their knowledge of sustainability and the world around them.  They develop their creative skills and produce a product for an identified user.  Students explore techniques such as surface decoration – batik, tie dye and stencilling as well as using CAD/CAM.

Design Technology with Timbers

Year 7 – Students spend 2 terms gaining knowledge of key techniques within the workshop environment.  They gain understanding of materials and their uses focusing on polymers and metals.  Students are introduced to CAD/CAM and how to apply this to a design task.

Year 8 – Students spend 2 terms developing their knowledge of practical skills.  They focus on Timbers and the tools and equipment used to produce a high quality item.  Students continue to develop their knowledge of metal including heat treatments and joining processes.

Design Technology with Timbers and Textiles

Year 9 – Students spend the year focusing on a GCSE Design Technology foundation course.  The course offers a range of skills from all areas of Design and Technology including garment making, bridge building, mechanisms, smart materials and applying all to a Contextual Challenge.