Design and Technology

 ‘I couldn't find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.’ Ferdinand Porsche

This is exactly the philosophy that underpins our work in Design and Technology; solving problems through creativity.

In Design and Technology we teach students how to innovate and solve problems through design. We teach them practical skills in different material areas.

 Our Ambitions

• ‘To create the designers and technologists of the future'

The department has a passion for success through good design; design that solves problems and makes life better. That is what makes the ambition real and achievable.

Many of our students choose to pursue a career in design.

• ‘To give our students the best possible insight into uses of materials and processes.'

The department has embarked upon a programme of investment in state of the art machinery.  This includes a CNC laser cutting machine which enables our students to experience modern manufacturing technologies and also a high-tech metal casting kiln.

Trips take place to inspiring places such as the 'Clothes Show Live!' at the Birmingham NEC and the Winter Gardens in Sheffield to see great design.

• ‘To achieve high results.’

The D&T Department at Wakefield City Academy performs very well, in all D&T GCSE subjects, compared to other schools in the authority.

 The Design and Technology Subjects

Students experience for D & T material areas across both key stages are:

• Resistant Materials Technology (designing and making in wood, metal and plastic etc)
• Food and Nutrition (Year 7 to 10)
• Food Technology (Year 11)
• Textiles Technology
• Graphic Products (designing and making in paper, card and plastic)

GCSE Design and Technology

In GCSE Design and Technology, design and make assignments are used to equip the students with the skills necessary to undertake Controlled Assessment.  Controlled Assessment represents 60% of the GCSE and begins in the Summer Term of Year 10.

For GCSE Food and Nutrition there is a short task worth 30% and an exam board task worth 40%.

 Useful Links

www.technologystudent.com  Excellent revision site for all D&T GCSE courses.

www.licencetocook.org.uk  A website which students can use to access tutorials and assessments as part of ‘License to Cook’ at KS3.