Design & Technology
Introduction to Design and Technology at Harris Academy Morden
Curriculum Intent
The intention of Design and Technology at Harris Academy Morden is focused around providing students the opportunity to engage in inspiring, rigorous, and practical projects. 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.
Curriculum Implementation
The Design and Technology curriculum will give our pupils the opportunity to:
- Carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs
- Act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely
- Develop a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment, and materials to use to make their products
- Apply mathematical knowledge and skills accurately
- Manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically
- Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and food science to learn how to cook
- Evaluate and analyse creative works of past and present design and technology, to develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world
- Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately to ultimately select appropriate media and techniques and adapt their work where necessary.
KS3 – Design and Technology
Food lessons are focused around developing everyday life skills to promote independence within and outside of the classroom. The aim is to heighten awareness of the integral part that food plays in childrens’ health, well-being and attainment. Lessons are designed to motivate changes in attitudes towards food, such as exposure to different types of ingredients and dishes to encourage healthy eating. Students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as ICT, mathematics, science and art. Students learn how to cook a range of predominantly savoury dishes so that they are capable of feeding themselves and others affordably, now and in later life. This knowledge enables students to take risks, become resourceful, innovative, and be enterprising and capable citizens.
Design and Technology – Resistant Materials – allows pupils to exercise their creativity through designing and making products within a variety of different contexts. Design and Technology allows pupils to apply knowledge and skills learned in other subjects, particularly maths, science, and art, to adapt and improve their product by learning through mistakes. Pupils will learn how to take risks; becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens that will prepare them to deal with tomorrows rapidly changing world. It encourages them to become independent, creative problem solvers and thinkers.
KS4 – Hospitality & Catering
In year 10 students learn about the environment in which Hospitality and Catering businesses operate. Students are encouraged to apply their learning to their everyday lives, whilst also being given the opportunity to visit Hospitality and Catering establishments to put their learning into a real-life context. Students learn how Hospitality and Catering provisions meet health and safety laws and how to prevent food from causing ill health.
In year 11 students amalgamate their learning to complete their controlled assessment and prepare for their exams.
Career Pathways
Completing Hospitality and Catering at GCSE builds students’ understanding of business management and regulations governing employment.
This understanding enables students to embark on a journey towards hospitality and catering or, general business management.
Enrichment & Cultural Capital
Students build life skills in being able to budget and cook healthy meals for themselves. Students will have a clear understanding of the connection between having a well-balanced diet and a healthy life. Students will know how to make ethical decisions when purchasing goods.
