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Design and Technology

The Design and Technology department at JSCHS aims to provide students with a safe and secure learning environment where they can achieve to the best of their ability. Technology lessons equip our students with a variety of life skills. Students have a range of subjects offered to them which means they have a wider range of career options available.

Students gain many skills in KS3 and can fine tune these skills in KS4. They leave competent and with confidence in their skills. ICT is an integral part of Technology and we are supported with one specialised ICT room in the department and three interactive whiteboards. The department actively supports students to develop their skills and confidence in using ICT. We like the students to be familiar with the hardware and software they use and to become more aware of when and how to use it in their work.

Technology is delivered in well equipped, purpose built rooms including one Textile, two Food, and two rooms for the delivery of Resistant Materials and Graphic Products.

Topics taught in Technology

KS3

The department offers at Key Stage 3, a wide range of learning experiences which give students of all abilities the opportunity to achieve their potential whilst remaining sensitive to student’s individual needs. Students receive four 1 hour sessions per fortnight in Technology.

Current cross-technology projects include:

NE1 for Cookies: Students design for a new cookie shop based in the centre of Newcastle and make a variety of products to satisfy given design briefs.
Surf 'n' Sk8: Students investigate the surf and skate culture in Tynemouth and develop designs and make clothing, models and well-balanced food products.
Traidcraft: Students begin research into the local company and expand to other countries including LEDCs. Sustainable energy sources are investigated and using their prior experience various products are produced.

Other projects include: Desk tidy, Sports Trophy, Acrylic Pot, CD rack, Chocolate bar and wrapper design.

KS4

Students can then choose to specialise, at key stage 4 from a wide range of courses. Technology GCSEs are 60% coursework and 40% final exam, so before the exam each student could be secure in the knowledge that they have already achieved over half of the final marks. Students receive five 1 hour sessions per fortnight in Technology.

GCSE Food Technology
GCSE Textile Technology
GCSE Graphic Products
GCSE Resistant Materials
GCSE Catering
BTEC Health & Social Care – The study of various aspects of Health and Social Care provision from infancy to old age.

Activities in Technology

We have various activities and extra curricular events in Technology;

Extra curricular events within the department e.g. “Let’s Cook!” KS3 after school club. Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme, STEM club, Green-powered Car, Young Engineers.
Technology events e.g. Clothes Show trip,
Competition entries e.g. Matthew Williamson design work.
External expertise is often brought in to benefit the students e.g. The Royal Marines and various cultural visitors.

Staffing expertise

The department has a well–qualified, experienced, cross-section of staff who have a wide range of skills and knowledge gained through academic and industrial backgrounds. Staff teach in all aspects of Technology across the Key Stages, and in all ability ranges.