Textiles & Food Technology
To provide our students with 'real life' problem solving skills relevant to today's environment and levels of technology, not only within the classroom, but reflective of modern commercial practices. To provide students with the capabilities to communicate and develop their ideas and thought processes using the technological tools of today, whilst reflecting on past practices. It is the department's intention to prepare them for the media of the future, and technology beyond the classroom. We aim to create within the department an environment which will encourage students to achieve high standards, the best of which they are capable, in as many areas as possible, and provide the foundations for a happy and successful adult life.
We specifically aim to provide for the students: -
- An organised, well ordered, stimulating environment in which successful learning and teaching can be enjoyed by all.
- To ensure that every student is encouraged in their individual progress and development.
- To equip each student with the life skills necessary to be confident in the changing society in which we live, and able to make decisions about the role they play within it.
- To develop the ability to take decisions and solve problems within the framework of positive development.
- To encourage balanced self- evaluation based upon reflection.
- To encourage students by praise and recognition of their efforts and achievements.
- To develop a wide range of technological capabilities.
- To develop aesthetic awareness of commercial products.
All students follow a balanced program of study in Technology, in accordance with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Time is spent within the Food and Textiles Technology areas where students work on a range of knowledge based and practical based projects. All work is marked to a common assessment scheme which allows the students to clearly see where, and why, marks have been awarded for any piece of work.
Year 7 Food and Textiles Technology
The emphasis in Year 7 is on carrying out subject specific skills and focused practical tasks using a wide range of materials and components. In addition, we use this opportunity to bridge the difference learning experiences between KS2 and KS3.
The aim is to encourage students to gain confidence in the use of these materials and also in the use of the tools and processes used to shape, join and finish the materials. Students are encouraged to demonstrate safety and accuracy and develop their understanding of the materials, tools and techniques used. Within the Year 7 curriculum the emphasis is on gaining practical and design skills. These are expanded in further visits to the different areas during Years 8 and 9. Students are taught in mixed ability groups throughout Year 7.
Project outline
Food – Healthy Eating
Textiles Technology – Batik Cushion
Year 8
The emphasis in Year 8 is to build on the skills learnt in Year 7, through structured ‘design and make' tasks. Students will revisit the areas of food and textiles during Year 8. Due to the rotational delivery model, the order of completion will vary from one teaching group to another. Students will follow the complete design process of research and analysis, design and development, planning, making and evaluating in each area.
Project outline
Food – Bread and pastry
Textiles Technology – Pencil case and Hacky Sacks
Year 9
The emphasis in Year 9 is to build on the skills learnt in Years 7 and 8, through structured ‘design and make' tasks. Due to the rotational delivery model, the order of completion will vary from one teaching group to another. Students follow the complete design process of research and analysis, design and development, planning, making and evaluating in each area. As this is the year that students choose their GCSE options, we endeavour to use a similar format for the projects as they would experience in GCSE courses, so that students get a ‘feeling’ for what to expect. In effect, the courses we offer in Year 9 are taster lessons for their GCSE years.
Project outline
Food – Vegetarian meals & Convenience Food
Textiles Technology – Bag, Fleece Hat and Water bottle Jacket
Year 10 & 11 (KS4) Food Technology/Textiles Technology
In Year 10, both Textiles and Food technology are introduced with a warm up project in order to equip our students’ knowledge in industrial practises and prepare for their GCSE. Theory lessons are taught on a regular basis to balance the need for written exam. Students are advised to attend lunchtime and after school clubs to catch up and extend their learning.
Project outline
Food – Cultural Food
Textiles Technology – Soft Toy and Children’s Waistcoat
