Design Technology is taught in mixed ability groups throughout Key Stage 3.
The subject is taught through project-based design and make tasks in a variety of media, including resistant materials – which incorporates the use of metal, wood and plastics, electronics and control technology, textiles technology and food technology. The schemes of work for KS3 are reviewed regularly in order to ensure a vibrant curriculum which incorporates opportunities for all students to succeed.
At Key Stage 4, students may select from a range of GCSE courses:
· Food Technology
· Graphics Products
· Resistant Materials
· Textiles Technology.
All courses followed use the WJEC syllabus.
Assessment and the use of data are important tools throughout the curriculum at Treviglas. In the DT faculty teaching staff feed assessment information provided by the marking of each design and make activity at KS3 into the faculty database, which is then drawn down centrally by the Data Manager. Results are then provided for the faculty to use in planning, monitoring and evaluating programmes of work as well as the progress and achievement of individual students. The scores contribute toward the on-going assessment structure used in the faculty to indicate student progress in relation to the National Curriculum levels.
At Key Stage 5 Design Technology (Design) is taught to AS and A2 level, following the OCR syllabus. During the course, visits to the Design Museum and other venues are arranged.
The faculty is involved in a range of county schemes and competitions. Links are used with the Business and Enterprise and the Neighbourhood Engineering schemes. Our students are encouraged to participate in the Young Enterprise competition, which involves the production, display and a presentation of their products at County Hall in Truro.
The faculty staff organises a Craftsman in Residence event, when a variety of skilled craft people are invited to the college to demonstrate their skills and products. Students are frequently provided the opportunity to try out the techniques and skills for themselves.
The faulty comprises seven full and part time teaching staff, with two part-time technicians. There are plans to construct two new technology classrooms in the next phase of development at the college 2004-2005.
The faculty places a strong emphasis on the development of CAD/CAM in each area of the subject. Recent investments and training indicates the priority this component has in the Design Technology curriculum.