Technology
The study of Design and Technology at Millfield seeks to prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. It helps students to be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on resistant materials, electronics, and textiles, including historical, social/cultural, environmental, and economic factors. In Design Technology students combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team.
Students in Year 7 arrive at various points in their Design and Technology journey. Some will have had an excellent foundation and developed a sound understanding of basic technology concepts. Others will have only touched on these concepts. With this in mind, projects have been created than enable challenge for all.
“Through the teaching of design and technology, we will prepare our children to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world.”
In key stage 3, students work through several disciplines, applying and increasing the knowledge of their key stage two learning across significant areas of study that support core knowledge in each discipline. Across the Design and Technology subjects, students will work through four projects per year applying knowledge of their previous study. Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning and it is for this reason that as a department we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum.
In key stage 4, students begin their GCSE journey, building and consolidating previous learning. We have established strong inter-subject links with maths, science, and business studies. Students gain more in-depth knowledge of the core concepts and develop a wider understanding of practical skills through completing set projects. Year 11 is spent completing an NEA (non-examined assessment), further developing students understanding of how and why products are created. Students are given aspirational targets to motivate them to achieve their full potential.
We offer several extracurricular opportunities including a textiles club, CAD club, and traditional skills club. We feel it is vital that we allow students to experience as many parts of the Design and Technology world as possible.