The course is underpinned by the concept of responsible design which is embodied through the consideration of ethical interaction with users and clients, and product design which is inclusive and sustainable. Our course takes a technologically innovative approach to the design and creation of beautiful, ingenious, functional and viable products. On completion of this course, students can enter the workplace as responsible designers capable of establishing technology-focused, creative responses across both creative and engineering domains.

The curriculum at Ercall Wood Academy has been developed to equip our students with the skills, knowledge and understanding of design they may utilise later in life. Design & Technology is a subject that encourages students to apply knowledge that they have gained from many other areas of the curriculum to the solving of practical problems. It gives students the opportunity to work in all the material areas. All students can design and make practical solutions to real life design problems. Each lesson considers the cognitive and retention abilities of students and ‘chunks’ the learning to ensure that sufficient time and practice is available to cement the knowledge presented during the theory portion of the lesson. Modelling is used by teachers to provide solutions to enable students to develop their own practice and improve their practical skills in a range of hand-held tools and manufacturing processes. Students learn most effectively when they have frequent opportunities to recall and apply the knowledge that they have acquired in assessment situations, so at the end of each teaching unit students are assessed through low stakes testing, such as quizzes, timed activities or homework to ensure all students know all of what they are expected to know by the end of the unit.

Our curriculum acts as a strong foundation that enables our students to continue their study of the subject beyond Key Stage 4 but also allows them to be confident and capable of contributing positively to an industry that continues to evolve. We hope that students leaving our department have a good understanding of how to bring together learning from across the curriculum to create and develop products that can solve issues for a range of different consumer groups taking account of their requirements and priorities.

We will support students to take measured risks with both creativity and problem solving, whilst appreciating environmental, cultural, and social diversity. We want students to be confident and not fear making mistakes by providing structured opportunities to practice, learn and reflect on the outcome of each project undertaken. We are confident that through the content of the curriculum and the way in which it is delivered that all D&T subjects will have a positive impact on students to create independent learners and ultimately independent adults. We expect that students will have a sound understanding of the curriculum, be good problem solvers, have excellent practical skills and are reflective on their approach.

Homework is set each fortnight at KS3 linked directly to the lessons studied with the intention of developing their knowledge and extending their skills in ICT/Computing. The style of homework will vary depending on the topic from word searches to improve vocabulary to quizzes that test the student on their knowledge retained from the lesson. Some pieces are research tasks and some relate to the presentation of information.

At KS3 we offer an after-school club that allows students to explore their own creativity with freedom to create their own ideas with support from staff.

Each project has an evaluation section where students can rate how happy they are with their performance in each of the assessed categories. This then links to the Career information we share with students, which provides guidance to students on potential careers that meet their happy sections.

Using the nationalcareers. website to identify possible career choices. We also provide information on how to get started in the business with college courses or apprenticeships available in the local area.

• Designer – Fashion, Product, interior, Graphic, Interactive, Video Game,
• Engineer – CAD, Design, Electrical, Sound, Civil, Mechanical, Robotics, Aeronautical.
• Architect
• Joiner
• Carpenter
• Electrician
• Surveyor
• Steel Fabricator

To progress in this field you can chose to student AQA Design and Technology in KS4 to begin your career path. Please come and speak to Mrs Simmelker for more information regarding this course.

The hospitality and catering industry is  vibrant and rapidly growing, in recent years, the UK catering and hospitality industry has experienced significant growth. This can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in tourism, the rise of food delivery services, and the growing interest in dining out. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals looking to start a career in this field. This career path can be highly rewarding and constantly developing which allows you to constantly progress and gain new skills so you can keep growing throughout your career. The British Hospitality Association describes the catering industry as a ‘true meritocracy’ where people are promoted on merit and hard work is rewarded by rapid career progression. Pursing a career in Hospitality and catering can open up opportunities to travel the world, once you have gained experience working in the industry, you may feel you’ve got the necessary skills to launch your very own business. From pop-up stands to opening a local café or restaurant, running a business can be very rewarding. With careful planning, determination, investment and strategic decision-making, there is absolutely no reason why your vision can’t succeed.

There is a broad spectrum of job roles within the Hospitality and Catering sector  these include;

• Airlines
• Resorts and hotel industry
• Cruise ships and airlines
• Coordinating banquets for events
• Managing a Hospitality and Catering establishment
• Owning your own Hospitality and Catering establishment
• Chef
• Front of house
• Events
• Holiday centres, theatres and attractions

With such variety, career opportunities within the catering and hospitality sector are endless. From pop-up stands to opening a local café or restaurant, running a business can be very rewarding. With careful planning, determination, investment and strategic decision-making, there is absolutely no reason why your vision can’t succeed and you could own your own hospitality and catering establishment.

To progress in this field you can chose to study WJEC Hospitality and catering in KS4 to begin your career path. Please come and speak to Mrs Hamer for more information regarding this course.