Welcome to the Design and Technology area.
In the Design and Technology Department at Bethany we aim to stimulate pupils' interest, curiosity, creativity and enjoyment when designing and developing solutions to improve people's lives. We do this by focusing on the areas of Food Technology, Product Design and Resistant Materials. We believe that by studying these areas of the curriculum, pupils will develop the ability to solve problems within their everyday lives.
The departmental team continually work hard developing projects that encourage the development of problem solving skills, evaluation, imagination, design expertise, practical ability as well as an understanding of how technology has and will affect our lives.
KS3
All pupils study Design and Technology at Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 9). These initial years focus on the building up of research, designing, making and technology theory skills. Manufactured projects currently include: Phone Pods, Pop-up cards, Kites, Bird houses, Mechanical Toys, Floating Bath aids. Food Project titles include Planet Deliwood, Postcard Products Ltd and Licence To Cook.
By the time pupils have completed KS3 they will have a good skills base and can look forward to further technological challenges at GCSE level.
KS4
At Key Stage 4 (years 10-11) pupils can opt for a GCSE course in Food Technology and / or Resistant Materials. Both courses build on the basics of KS3 coupled with the opportunity to expand skills and develop pupils own individual problem solving and creative techniques within each focus area. A good range of ICT skills, design techniques, manufacturing processes, techniques and technologies are also taught during the two year courses.
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In Food Technology typical projects include chilled desserts, a range of main meal products, multicultural breads and savoury and sweet baked products. Having engaged in skill based practical lessons, pupils will be given several opportunities to design and make original food products, encouraging invention and developing their knowledge of the working properties of food raw materials, industrial practices and marketing techniques.
In addition, pupils are given the opportunity to participate in the Level 2 Food Safety In Catering Course and sit the vocational examination awarded by The Institute Of Environmental Health.
In Resistant Materials, projects include: balancing toys, a flat pack stool with its main focus on industrial production methods. Pupils will be encouraged to extend their practical skills at every opportunity working with wood, metal and plastics. When demanded, within project work, textiles and electronics are also studied.
The Food Technology and Resistant Material courses both incorporate a challenging, independent based major project. This is worth 60% of the whole GCSE award. An academic written paper at the conclusion of Year 11 is worth 40%.
For details of the A level in Product Design and Food Technology please go the curriculum page in the Sixth Form section of the website.
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Department Facilities
The Design and Technology department consists of one Food Technology room and two Workshops. We are fortunate to have the most up to date and forward thinking facility for the teaching of Food Technology coupled with superbly equipped and ever improving practical Workshops.
Extra Curricular Activities
Pupils and students are able to access the department facilities during their breaks and lunchtimes as well as during school ‘activity time' during the week. Lots of pupils use their free time working on their class or coursework as well as designing and producing their own inventions. On of the most popular activities of the moment is ‘Wood Turning'.
Food Technology offers a popular Chef School Activity for KS3 pupils providing an opportunity to compete for the Bethany Masterchef Trophy, awarded annually.
At the other end of the spectrum, a Uni-Gourmet Food Preparation course is offered to Upper Sixth pupils to encourage healthy eating and increase culinary ability. This has proven to be very enjoyable and beneficial as pupils leave school and head off to University.
Design and Technology Staff
Mr. M. Norman (Head of Department)
Mrs J. Brett
Mrs A Wood
Mr P. Marriott
Mr M. Levett