Technology - Core

Technology is a multi-disciplinary subject which is inspiring , motivating and practical in approach. Learning draws on a wealth of cross curricular subject knowledge, skills and approaches to develop products and processes that address real and relevant problems within varied contexts. Students acquire a broad range of knowledge and experience, drawing from disciplines such as Maths, Science and Art, to develop an overall capability in Technology.

The application of knowledge in the development of technical and practical processes underpin our Technology learning, together with the study and evaluation of past, present and future innovations. Students develop an awareness of the impact of technology on our lives and society, and are able to become discerning, resourceful, innovative and capable citizens.

Intent

We believe that a ‘world-class’ curriculum facilitates personal development, equipping students to engage in the crucial debates and conversations of their time - preparing them for the demands of local, national and international society.

We must provide a curriculum for our students that allows them to attain high quality qualifications routed in a deep foundation of transferrable knowledge acquired from a range of subject areas.

In a context where limited experiences of different religions, cultures and travel outside of the South West are common it is incumbent on our curriculum to facilitate these opportunities. The curriculum must ensure that students progress on from Tor Bridge High with the awareness and understanding to allow them to both integrate and flourish in a modern democratic society.

Technology is a multi-disciplinary subject which is inspiring, motivating and practical in approach. Learning draws on a wealth of cross-curricular subject knowledge, skills and approaches to develop products and processes that address real and relevant problems within varied contexts. Students acquire a broad range of knowledge and experience, drawing from disciplines such as Maths, Science and Art, to develop an overall capability in Technology.

Implementation

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, our students dedicate two hours per week to studying Design and Technology (D&T), Food, Computer Science and Engineering evenly divided throughout years 7, 8 and 9. The curriculum for D&T is structured around core skills aligned with the National Curriculum categories of Design, Make, Evaluate, and Technical Knowledge. Rather than following a traditional project-based approach, our focus is on acquiring knowledge and skills, although most units of work do culminate in a practical outcome. Each module is contextualized within a specific theme, such as healthcare, and students begin with an "end point plan" outlining the essential knowledge, skills, and terminology they need to master. Our curriculum is designed to revisit and reinforce these skills throughout Key Stage 3 and beyond, building upon prior knowledge and experiences.

Key Stage 4 and 5

Moving into Key Stage 4 and 5, our curriculum aims to equip students with the confidence and competence to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. They also gain an understanding of broader influences on design, technology, and engineering, including historical, social/cultural, environmental, and economic factors. At Key Stage 4, students have the option to study one of the four subject areas for the entire year. They are: Design and Technology, Food, Computer Science and Engineering. They learn and apply key terminology related to designing, innovation, communication, materials and technologies, manufacturing, production, critiquing, values, and ethics. Engineering students focus more on understanding products and services across various engineering sectors, engineering principles, materials technology, manufacturing processes, and equipment. Progression into Key Stage 5 Engineering builds upon the skills acquired during Key Stage 4 in both Engineering and Design and Technology. Students are expected to solve complex engineering problems individually and collaboratively, utilizing scientific and mathematical knowledge that underpins their studies in the subject. In Hospitality and Catering students learn about a wide range of industries, practices and key nutritional knowledge. Practical lessons build on skills in a range of dishes, focusing on increasingly more complex skills and recipes as they progress into Y11.

Impact

We assess our students' learning and skill development through various means, including project completion, question answering during lessons, and formal assessments. By successfully completing projects and assessments, students can achieve the following outcomes:

By the end of Key Stage 3:

Students will be able to safely and accurately use a range of common hand tools and machine tools.
They will be able to identify common materials such as papers, card, timbers, polymers/plastics, metals, and fabrics, and select appropriate materials based on an understanding of their properties.
Students will recognize different methods used in shaping and joining materials, as well as identify the forces acting on structures and apply this knowledge practically.
They will develop an understanding of making informed choices that positively impact the environment.
Students will gain familiarity with design processes through various design and make activities.
They will be able to follow instructions and personalize them to achieve high-quality outcomes.
Students will be able to safely and accurately use a range of kitchen equipment and tools, including knives and cooking appliances.

KS3 Curriculum Content

Technology – Curriculum Ambition:

Our aims for students at Tor Bridge High are to:

• Understand the bigger picture – interlinking subjects with application in the real world, both vocationally and as discerning citizens

• Become confident ‘self-managers’ in the solving of everyday problems within the context of an increasingly technical society

• Be resourceful, employable young people, with the desire to develop vocational and career aspirations

• Be able to draw on knowledge gained, to be critical users of technology, materials and energy use within the context of sustainability for the future

• Become innovative and enterprising, recognising opportunities and constraints

• Develop creativity and recognise that innovation is key to our future development

• Become aware of the impact of technologies on our social systems and environment

Our Local Context

Plymouth manufacturing and technical industries contribute more than tourism to the local economy, with these industries employing around one in eight local people. This ranks Plymouth amongst the biggest industrial employers per capita, of any city in the south of England.

At Tor Bridge, we aim to foster an interest in technical careers, which will allow our students to become the next highly skilled workforce. We maintain our belief that students should be well-prepared and knowledgeable about current and future technical careers, and aim to provide practical experience of a broad range of technology related subjects through our key stage 3 Technology curriculum, where students experience a wide range of vocationally relevant areas of study, followed by options to study a choice of five subjects up to year 11.

All students study the following on a rotation system in years 7-8.

Hospitality and Catering, Engineering, Computer Science, Design & Technology and i-Media. The structure of each unit typically comprises elements of subject knowledge and the development of applied technical skills.

Knowledge and skills are combined during the completion of an integrated project with a theme or context, which allow students to develop an overall ‘capability’ within each subject.

Each unit is taught over three (hour-long) lessons a week over a 7-8 week period, 20-24 hrs, providing depth and focus, and allow all areas to be covered by all students in both yr 7 and 8 by the end of each year. Students are taught by specialist teachers in each area of study, allowing a real depth of technical knowledge to be developed.