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, KS4 and KS5. 

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 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 milestones 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.

Key Stage 4

The skills gained at KS3 are combined with new learning to cover the content for the Cambridge National in Engineering Design. This qualification enables students to learn about the process of engineering design, and understand how it can be used to design effective solutions for a given design brief. They will develop the ability to communicate design ideas through the use of sketches and engineering drawings and computer aided design. They will also be able to evaluate the design of a product through the disassembly of existing products. This can then be used to help come up with solutions to an engineering brief. The course consists of many practical problem solving activities and theory lessons which give the students the skills needed to complete the controlled assessment in year 11 and the written exam.

Key Stage 5

The skills gained at KS4 are combined with new learning to cover the content for A-level Product Design which focuses on consumer products and applications and their analysis in respect of

Materials, components, process and their selection and uses in products and/or systems. This qualification helps students to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether that’s higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.