The Technology Department
Faculty Lead of Art, Design and Technology, Drama and Music = Miss Hamilton
Context
The technology department currently offers GCSE Food and Nutrition and GCSE Design and Technology. There are two specialist teachers who are supported by one full time and one part time technician. Our accommodation includes: two catering rooms, one workshop and an ICT suite. Our rooms are utilised to support the development of students’ practical and ICT skills. Each room is fully equipped with specialist tools and equipment and students are taught to respect and value these as well as work in a safe and hygienic manner.
Curriculum
We currently offer AQA food preparation and nutrition and AQA GCSE Design and Technology. The curriculum provides all year groups with the skills and knowledge to be successful if they choose Technology as an option subject. However, we also provide a curriculum that enables students to follow healthy lifestyles, become informed consumers and have an awareness of wider environmental issues.
For curriculum guides for Technology, please visit Curriculum Guides
Technology
Assessment
All students are regularly assessed on their practical skills and outcomes. The use of unit tests focus on assessing student’s knowledge, understanding and design skills. All students are expected to revise and prepare for both practical and theory assessments. Revision guides are given to students to help them prepare for end of unit tests. We value that students often need to practice practical skills in order to improve and therefore give students opportunities within the workshop and kitchen to practice practical skills ready for assessments.
Homework
Students are expected to complete one homework activity once a fortnight. We encourage students to develop their cooking skills and knowledge of healthy eating/lifestyles and expect students to practice these skills through guided home learning activities.
In Design and Technology homework activities encourage students to consider environmental issues, develop presentation and design skills whilst also consolidating the learning which has taken place during lessons.
All students are expected to use the revision guides to prepare for end of unit assessments.
Afterschool Sessions
Year 11 students are encouraged to come to the weekly coursework catch up where they can use our ICT facilities and have the extra support needed to complete coursework to a high standard.
Enrichment Opportunities
The technology department has close links with Tameside college and GCSE students are given the opportunity to visit different areas of the college and work on practical activities whilst there.
Students will be involved in growing produce and then using this produce within their cooking. Students will also be involved in designing and making items which will be used to enhance the area.
