Design Technology

Head of Food Technology: Mrs Vivian Wiles

Head of Product Design: Mrs Sarah Lear

“a true work of design must be able to move people, to convey feelings, to trigger memories, to surprise, to go against the grain...” Alberto Alessi

This department is staffed by specialists: one in Food Technology and the other Product Design. The aim is to enable each student to research, design, develop, manufacture and evaluate a range of products using a variety of media. Students have the opportunity to hone their practical skills and develop the ability to work individually and as part of a team. The accommodation for the subject consists of a suite of three rooms plus the use of the other ICT facilities.

Throughout Key Stage Two and Three, Food Technology and Product Design course students are taught a variety of techniques and work with a range of materials which give them an insight into designing and manufacturing processes. Through the completion of stimulating and relevant assignments, designed to promote independence of thought, problem solving and creative practical skills, students develop an awareness of the variables involved in the design industry.

Teaching is very supportive in nature and all pupils achieve a high level of success in both subject areas, regularly taking home a varied range of products that demonstrate design individuality and the effort that has been made to produce a quality outcome. Younger pupils are introduced to the subject by participating in a range of challenging projects that are designed to be technologically relevant to them. At The Park we pride ourselves on the complexity of the work that all our pupils create and on the level of understanding they acquire.

Public Examinations
GCSE Food Technology consists of a major controlled assessment worth 60% and 40% terminal examination. The assessment are selected from a number set by the exam board which allows for a range of interpretations. 50% of the marks for it are awarded for practical activities.

G.C.S.E Graphic Products consists of two units: Unit 1 is a written paper worth 40% This unit is taught throughout Year 10 through a range of Focused Practical Tasks and Mini Assignments. Unit 2 is the Design and Making Practice worth 60% This unit consists of an internally assessed and externally moderated single design-and-make activity selected from a range of Controlled Assessment Tasks set by the examination board, consisting of a 3-dimensional outcome and a concise design folder.