Art, Design and Technology consists of five main areas. Art & Design, Food Technology, Resistant Materials, Engineering and Textiles Technology. Each area develops knowledge, understanding and skills within the Design Process, including researching, designing and making. In Key Stage 3, pupils follow a rotation system, experiencing each area of ADT before specialising in two main areas towards the end of the Key Stage. In Key Stage 4 pupils have the option to choose one or more of these subject areas to study at GCSE level.
Aims:
Our aim as an Art, Design and Technology Faculty is to ensure that students:
- Understand the Design Process and understand links between Art, Design and Technology subject’s areas.
- Are able to think creatively and produce innovative design ideas.
- Are able to use a variety of media to develop and manufacture their final designs.
- Use research and planning as effective tools to develop final ideas.
Staffing:
There are currently 10 members of staff working in the department including specialists within Art, Food, Resistant Materials, Engineering and Textiles Technology. The faculty is supported by two technicians and one faculty assistant.
Key Stage 3
Year 7: All pupils have two double lessons of ADT a week (4 periods in total). They will study each area for approximately 9 weeks, operating on a carousel system. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups of no more than 20 pupils.
Years 8: All pupils have two double lessons of ADT a week. Pupils start the year with a taster session lasting approximately 3 weeks within each area. Pupil’s then opt two areas which they would prefer to specialise in and study these two options for the remainder of the year. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups of no more than 20 pupils. If pupils do not choose an ADT subject as a KS4 option subject, then they will no longer study an ADT subject in Key Stage 4.
Key Stage 4
Pupils study within their chosen subject area- Art, Food, Resistant Materials, Engineering or Textiles Technology. Subjects use the Edexcel exam board on either a BTEC or GCSE course. Art, Design and Technology are all option subjects and are taught in mixed ability groups of no more than 20 pupils in each group. The first year of GCSE builds upon a variety of skills key to the subject area and at the end of the first year of GCSE, pupils begin coursework which is 60% of the final grade. After the coursework is complete and submitted all pupils prepare for a GCSE exam in the summer. Pupils will have three periods a week of this option subject.
Enrichment
After school, lunch time and catch up clubs are available for all ADT subjects at GCSE level. Within the subjects, there are several trips which pupils can go on, including visits to Jaguar, Alton Towers, B&Q Job done, and various visits to local Art Galleries.
ADT further enriches the curriculum through collapsed timetable weeks. Past projects have included designing and making hover crafts and buggies with Year 7 and designing and making African drums and Masks with Year 8. Collapsed weeks allow for pupils to learn a variety of skills and subjects in a creative way, with a practical outcome. Allowing pupils a longer, concentrated period of time working creatively has proved to be of huge benefit to pupil’s creative learning within Art, Design and Technology.
How do we help you achieve your potential?
In ADT there are many areas in which pupils can specialise, which usually means that no matter what your preference, there is an area to suit you! The faculty has great results and our aim is to ensure that all pupils meet or exceed their target. Individual targets are set for every pupil following discussion with staff. These are monitored regularly. Staff will always be ready to help anyone who is slipping behind, offering GCSE catch up sessions in small groups with one to one help and support.
Why is it important for my child to learn Art, Design and Technology?
Art, Design and Technology subjects teach you essential life skills which will be useful to you long after you leave school, no matter which career path you choose. Art, Design and Technology is a practical subject, which allows students to develop hands on skills and experiences. From learning how to repair a button to cooking healthy meals, how to use a drill properly to how to decorate your house tastefully!
Art Design and Technology also have their own specialist career paths. Some of which could include:Art practitioner; Print worker; Food technologist; Chef; Graphic Designer; Interior designer; Construction; Joiner; Fashion Designer; Textile worker. Of course the list goes on and on!
Who should I talk to if I want more information?
Director of Learning: Miss Pepper
Assistant Director of Learning: Mrs Owen
Art & Design: Miss Baker / Mrs Walker / Miss Wallace
Resistant Materials: Miss Crompton / Miss Pepper / Mr Bartle
Textiles Technology: Mrs Owen / Miss Crompton / Mrs Parker
Food Technology: Mrs Clayton / Mrs Owen
Engineering : Mr Pryce
Websites
www.technologystudent.com
