Curriculum Map - Design and TechnologyYear 7
At Wren Academy Enfield, we are committed to ensuring that students are given the tools to design and communicate their ideas while developing an understanding of the technological world that constantly evolves around them. In Year 7, project one explores the history of the Bauhaus movement and students use the iconic features of the Bauhaus style to design and construct their own architectural model of a house. In project 2 we use the natural world as a source of inspiration to design and make a cover for a mobile phone.
Why?
These two contrasting projects offer students a wide range of design opportunities, while still linking to shapes and sources of inspiration that are familiar to their daily lives. The Bauhaus project, with a focus on cuboid shapes enables students to develop isometric drawing skills as well as mathematical problem solving and net building skills. The phone cover project allows students to explore natural forms and experiment more with abstract organic shapes, while still producing a functioning product. Both projects are designed to give students a deeper understanding of the design process and focus on building research, analysis, drawing, idea development, manufacturing and evaluation skills.
Year 8
In Year 8, students begin to apply their knowledge of the design process more independently and develop a deeper understanding of materials, processes and how they can be used. The first project focusses on materials and making a table lamp inspired by the theme of movement. The second project centers around the issue of sustainability. Students learn about alternative materials and energy sources, design logos and make their own reusable shopping bag.
Why?
The curriculum is built to ensure that students are given the resources they need to push and inspire creativity, while also understanding that they must balance their ideas with the physical limitations of the materials and technology available. Building on the basic skills associated with the design process in Year 7, students are given the opportunity to explore a greater variety of design techniques through modelling and computer aided design, to promote more innovative design. Their increased knowledge of material uses and properties allows them to design and make products that function well, as well as look aesthetically pleasing. Following on from our developed knowledge of materials, we also then consider their impact on the environment and how Design and Technology plays a vital role in supporting in making sustainable changes for the future.
Year 9
In Year 9, students continue to explore a wider variety of practical techniques as well as develop a deeper understanding of the history of design. In project one they focus on architecture and design, a small building for a specific user inspired by an architect of their choice. In project two we look at the use of ergonomics and anthropometrics in design, where students will design a chair inspired by biomimicry. In project three we study the key design movements of the twentieth century and design a jewelry box in response to our research.
Why?
The Year 9 curriculum continues to build up the skills of research, design and making but also challenges students to see how their designs fit into a real world setting and industry practice. There is a stronger emphasis on user-centered design, how designers must consider the needs and wants of others as well as their own creative ideas. The study of ergonomics draws on a higher level of math skill and allows students to see how accurate calculations are an integral part of design. The study of design movements and of existing designers helps students to understand how designers take advantage of new materials and technology and how the careful combination of function and aesthetics has an impact on society, economics and the way we live our lives.