Design and technology
sandbach high school
General information
Through Design and Technology, we develop student’s abilities to be innovative problem solvers of real and relevant problems in inspiring and interesting contexts considering a wide range of needs and values. Our students take risks independently which develops their resilience and ability to manage themselves and increases their confidence. Through studying Design and Technology, our students become inquisitive critical thinkers who identify problems and develop an appreciation for continuous improvement. We develop discerning and informed consumers who understand their role in domestic and wider context. Design and Technology at Sandbach High School has a positive impact on the students that study it, the society that they are part of and the economies that they contribute to.
Curriculum Lead
Mr D Massey – Curriculum Leader
dmassey@sandbachhigh.co.uk
Mr R Hughes – Assistant Curriculum Leader (KS3)
rhughes@sandbachhigh.co.uk
Curriculum
Key stage 3
Our KS3 curriculum is based on the national curriculum for Design and Technology, and whilst it prepares students for KS4, it strives to achieve a greater breath than that offered in the associated KS4 specifications. To achieve this we deliver 19 schemes of work over the 3 years covering topics from environmental issues to food provenance. We use a carousel so students are taught by experts of the schemes of work delivered. The disciplines covered are Product Design, Engineering, Graphics, Textiles, Robotics, CAD, Food and Hospitality and Catering.
In addition to a broad curriculum we also place great importance on the personal development of our students. Design and Technology is conveniently positioned to develop Independent and Autonomous learners, Reflective practitioners and Creative problem solvers.
Independent learners: We encourage students to take ownership of their work and we provide an environment where they feel confident and comfortable to ‘give it a go’ and learn from the experience.
Autonomous learners: Students manage their own progress and navigate their own learning journey in a supportive environment
Reflective practitioners: Our students reflect on their experiences and their progress, this then informs the next step of their learning journey and facilities their independent and autonomous learning.
Creative problem solvers: Our students solve problems and feel comfortable taking risks in their work. They are creative and they understand the importance of creativity.
Qualifications
KS4
|
Course |
Qualification |
Exam board |
Lead Teacher |
|
Product Design |
GCSE |
AQA |
D. Massey |
|
Graphics |
GCSE |
AQA |
R. Hughes |
|
Textiles |
GCSE |
Edexcel |
T. Shahlavi & K. Windle |
|
Food Preparation and Nutrition |
GCSE |
WJEC |
S. Halstead |
|
Engineering |
Level 1/2 Cambridge National |
OCR |
M. Ebsworth |
|
Hospitality and Catering |
Level 1/2 Vocational Award |
WJEC |
J. Unwin |
KS5
|
Course |
Qualification |
Exam board |
Lead Teacher |
|
Product Design |
A level |
AQA |
D. Massey |
|
Textiles |
A level |
AQA |
T. Shahlavi & K. Windle |
|
Food Science and Nutrition |
Level 3 Diploma |
WJEC |
S. Halstead |
|
Engineering |
A level |
OCR |
H. Hughes |
|
Hospitality and Catering |
Level 3 BTec |
Person |
J. Unwin |
Wider Curriculum
We offer a vast range of extracurricular opportunities to our students.
STEM Club
Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) club is open to all students from Year 8 upwards. Our students have won many awards, including Young Engineers school of the Year, 9 Teentech awards and multiple Big Bang awards to name a few. Primarily students work in teams on projects that address real world problems. Examples of projects include lighting for disaster areas and rehabilitation aids for Stroke sufferers.
CAUC
CAUC is our longstanding and very successful Greenpower electronic car team. Our students design manufacture and race electronic cars all over the country from Goodwood and Anglesey. They have been crowned international champions on a few occasions and are always working on their next car.
F1 In Schools
Our F1 in schools teams race small F1 style cars powered by CO2 canisters. Our teams have won the North West championships on several occasions.
Future chef
Future chef challenges students to device their own dish which are then judge against a variety of criteria including taste, health and originality. Our students have has much success in this competition in the past, particularly at the regional competitions
The Common room Restaurant
Our Hospitality and Catering students and aspiring KS3 students organise and run events from our onsite restaurant. These are often open to the public, so keep an eye on our twitter account for future events.
Arkwright scholarships
An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most esteemed scholarship of its type in the UK, designed to inspire students to pursue their dreams and change the world as a future leader in engineering. We support applications from several students each year and have a strong record of our students winning scholarships.
Trips and Visits
We offer a variety of trips from day trips to residential, from a day in London to a week at NASA.
Social Media
Please follow our accounts on Twitter:
Main Design and Technology account: @SandhighDT
Textiles: @SandHighTex
Food studies: @SandhighFood
Useful Links
5 ways to help your child:
- Visit museums and exhibitions such as the V&A, New Designers, The Design Museum and Manchester Science and Industry Museum.
- Watch TV programs such as Grand Designs, The Great British Bake Off, Design for Life and Master Chef
- Cook, build, craft and design at home. There are some excellent STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) challenges available from organisations such as: Dyson https://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/resources/challenge-cards.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiApsiBBhCKARIsAN8o_4jE6AYk20Kukuct5x2B7f0xQKZUifyik6f7i1nPzwQqhjv0TPfAqHMaAmDuEALw_wcB National STEM Centre: https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/community/collection/165709/stem-resources
- Install relevant software on to your home computer, for example, Autodesk Inventor. We have an educational license, which allows students to install it on their home computers for free.
- Encourage your child to play with toys such as Lego and Meccano