Design & Technology
Design Technology at Welling school introduces the students to the world of design and manufacture. They learn how to be creative and how ideas can be translated into the real world using a wide range of skills. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and approach design problems from different angles.
This subject is taught at KS3 and KS4. Each year in KS3 is devoted to a particular material. They learn about the properties of these materials and then apply this knowledge to produce a practical outcome.
Year 7
In the autumn term the students are introduced to wood as a material and 3d drawing skills used to communicate solutions to problems. Using knowledge gained about this material and simple wood working skills they make a money box. In the spring term the students are induced to mechanical engineering. They learn about the 4 types of motion and the three parts of a mechanical system. Using knowledge gained about gravity, friction and how this affects traction on a moving vehicle, the students build an elastic band powered model car. The students completed model cars are tested to see which one is the most successful. In the summer term the students are introduced to structural engineering. They learn about the four forces exerted on a structure and how this can be reduced. They then apply this knowledge to build a bridge that will get tested to destruction to see which student’s bridge hold the most weight.
Year 8
In the autumn term the students are introduced to plastics. Building on what was taught in year 7, the students learn more about machines and how to use them safely to help produce a successful product. The students also learn about design styles and how an understanding of this can help make a product more successful. Using this knowledge they design and make a clock based on the Memphis design style. In the spring term the students are introduced to aeronautics. They learn about the history of rockets and the science behind how they work. They use this knowledge to design and build an aerodynamic model rocket that is launched outside. The altitude the rockets gain is calculated using maths to see which rocket is the most successful. In the summer term the students are introduced to pneumatics. They learn about the science behind pressure and how to calculate the size of the pneumatics needed to move an object. They also learn about linkages. This knowledge is then used to create a model articulated missile launcher.
Year 9
In the autumn term the students are introduced to metals and how a knowledge of them allows the engineer to pick the correct metal for a product. Using this knowledge and skills gained in previous years the students design and make a wall mounted hanging system for their chosen existing product. Examples of existing products students have chosen to hang on this new product include clothes, keys, saucepans etc. In the spring term the students are introduced to electronics. They learn about conductors / insulators and basic electronic components and circuit diagrams. Using this knowledge they design a circuit for a steady hand game which they then make using a range of different equipment not used before. In the summer term the students revisit aeronautics. They learn about the history of flight and the major mile stones achieved. They then use knowledge gained back in year 8 to design a wing and fuselage for a model gilder. They learn about the science behind aerofoils and how to gain lift when in flight. The students then make their prototype and test it.
How you can support your child?
- Encourage your child to complete homework set on time
- Encourage your child to attend booster sessions organised by the department
- Encourage your child to develop practical DT skills
Click below to see the curriculum overview for KS3 Design and Technology :