Creative Technologies

 

Creative Technologies

Creative Technologies at Derby Cathedral School is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. We provide students with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own designs, products and works of art. Through working creatively and applying their technical knowledge, we prepare students to contribute confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students learn how to take risks and solve problems becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Our key stage 3 curriculum is planned to build upon the foundations developed at key stage 2, the curriculum is designed to be ambitious but accessible for all to raise students’ aspirations.

Our design and technology curriculum is delivered as a rotation in key stage 3 with all students studying resistant materials, graphics and food preparation and nutrition. Alongside this students will also have a weekly art lesson. It is important that students transfer knowledge and skills across these materials areas to develop their creativity and tenacity.

Throughout key stage 3 students are regularly required to recall prior knowledge, we have an equal emphasis on acquiring knowledge and developing practical skills, this enables us to check understanding and help students to remember more. Progress is demonstrated through practical outcomes and the understanding of characteristics and properties of different materials, equipment and ingredients. This deepens students learning and allows them to remember learning for longer.

Our position in Derby city is a great advantage to our subject, as a city of innovation we are provided with real life contexts and cutting edge technologies on our door step. These opportunities inspire our students to design for the future and solve real life problems for real people which in turn develops our fellowship values.  Our curriculum is enriched with opportunities to collaborate with many local companies and take part in visits to Derby museum which will provide inspiration for art and design projects.

Developing our students’ literacy and numeracy skills underpins many areas of our curriculum, these skills are developed through reading current news articles, interpreting recipes, reading as a group, measuring/ weighing and working out ratios to name but a few. We value the power of talk in the classroom environment to develop speaking, reading and listening skills.

Art and Design

Art and Design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. We develop cultural literacy in student to enjoy art galleries, identify different techniques and media used in well-known works of art and recognise cultural reference points throughout history. By the end of key stage 3 students will have increased proficiency in drawing, painting, sculptures and clay work. Students will learn to evaluate their own work, work of peers and work of artists with integrity to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work. Throughout the course of studying art and design, students will be exposed to the art in Derby Cathedral and use this to inform and inspire their own ideas.

Design and Technology

Through looking at past, present and future design and technology, students develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. The DT curriculum is based around a series of projects, students work through the full design, make and evaluate process using a wide variety of materials and to fit a range of real- life briefs. Students will be aware of wider influences including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Making mistakes is inevitable as we test, refine and develop products, students quickly learn that DT is a safe environment to experiment with ideas and strengthen humility.

Key Stage 4

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Food is a vital part of our daily lives and is essential for life. Our objective is to nurture students’ practical cookery skills to give them a robust understanding of nutrition and to be able to cook for themselves and others. The majority of dishes made are savoury, it is important that students learn how to make healthy choices for life. Students will understand the economic, environmental, ethical, religious and socio-cultural influences on food availability, production processes and diet and health choices. Dishes made at DCS will contribute towards many religious and spiritual events including Christmas and Easter cookery.

Photography 

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that will explore a range of photographic media, techniques, and processes. They will gain awareness of both traditional and emerging technologies.

Students will investigate relevant images, artefacts, and resources related to various forms of art, craft, and design from both historical and contemporary contexts, including European and non-European examples. This exploration will be central to their investigative and creative processes. Students will need to demonstrate their understanding of different styles, genres, and traditions through practical and critical activities

 Textiles

GCSE Design and Technology in Textiles will equip students to engage effectively in a rapidly evolving world of technology and fashion. Students will explore the broad influences on textile design, including historical trends, social impacts, cultural significance, environmental considerations, and economic factors. They will have the chance to apply their creativity in designing and making textile products while honing their technical skills.

Our GCSE course provides a comprehensive foundation in textile design principles, covering a wide range of design processes, materials, techniques, and equipment. Students will delve deeper into specialised textile techniques and materials, gaining a thorough understanding of the technical aspects essential for innovative and practical textile creation.

Creative Technologies Curriculum Plans