Skip to content ↓
Barclay Academy

Barclay Academy

Design and Technology

Head of Department: Mr M. Buckley

At Barclay Academy, design and technology comprises of a number of specific disciplines, such as project design and food technology. The study of DT provides opportunities for all students to develop their understanding of the design and manufacturing industries, and to implement this knowledge creatively in their own projects. The subject provides practical learning experiences: students are given the opportunity to design, make and evaluate products, as well as to explore and experience the wider world. They may go on visits, study pictures and digital media, or explore and take apart different products. In the workshop, students create their own projects, and benefit significantly from the task of monitoring and analysing their own progress and evaluating the quality of their work. We have noted that the intense levels of concentration and personal investment that are involved in a task often greatly improves students’ attention span, persistence and commitment.

KS3

At Key Stage 3, students at Barclay Academy study a wide range of areas within the broader discipline of design and technology, ranging from product design to food preparation and nutrition. Students learn key theoretical and practical knowledge, explore case studies, and implement their newly-acquired knowledge into their own projects. In so doing, they develop their capabilities for problem-analysis, solution-finding and research methods. They also explore the impact of technology upon the world around them, considering trends of technology in the rapidly-developing 21st century as well as considering the ethical, legal and cultural impacts of future technological developments.

KS4

Taking a GCSE in DT prepares students to participate confidently and successfully in our increasingly technological world. At Barclay Academy, we follow the AQA specification in Design and Technology. This course allows students to study core technical and design principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth. Students who opt to take this course will get the invaluable opportunity to apply their technical and practical expertise in the design and manufacture of their own products. They will also develop a greater awareness of the role and impact of technology in our world today, exploring historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors.