Key Stage 3

Each year in ADT, pupils are taught by a number of specialist design teachers, in a rotation system including Resistant Materials Technology, Food Technology, Textiles, Graphics, Electronics and Art. Information and Communications Technology is used to enhance research and design work in all areas. Throughout the department, pupils are encouraged to develop imagination, independence and creativity through a range of “design and make” tasks, resulting in quality products to take home. Current projects include: cultural textile cushions, ceramics, mechanical toys, licence to cook, electronics, graphics and CAD/CAM (Computed aided design and manufacture.) Pupils are taught to record ideas and feelings, and to express opinions on their own design/art work and on the work of other artists, craft workers and designers from differing cultures, past and present.

During all years, pupils will work with a variety of materials including textiles, graphic media (paint, pencil, paper, photographs), resistant materials (wood and plastic), electronic components and food. They will be taught to work within the constraints of cost and time and to consider sustainability throughout. Making is important, but much emphasis is also placed on the preparatory research, theory and design elements of the subject. Pupils are also given opportunities to draw, paint and sculpt simply for pleasure. Pupils are taught to observe the high standards of health and safety that are maintained throughout the department.

In order to provide top quality materials for these projects, we ask for a one-off contribution which will pay for all materials used in ADT over the next three years.  (Pupils will however need to bring ingredients for Food Technology practical lessons).  For this payment your child will receive an apron and sketch book, plus they will also be able to bring home all of their finished products.  Pupils may provide their own apron should they wish, with a corresponding reduction in charge. In addition, pupils are expected to arrive at ADT lessons with the correct drawing equipment, such as pens, pencils, coloured pencils (not felts), ruler, rubber and sharpener.

Marking and Assessment

Verbal feedback is given when appropriate throughout a course. Pupils’ work is marked, as appropriate, using WA (Well Above); AB (Above); AT (at); T (Towards) and B (Below) grades which relate to our Expected Standards. Pupils are provided with a comment on what they have done well (www) and what they could do to improve (ebi). Each year, pupils work towards an “ADT focus” (teamwork, independence, creativity etc). These are recorded in pupils’ organisers for reference and at the back of their course booklets. At the end of each course (every seven weeks for Year 7 pupils and every nine weeks for Years 8 and 9), pupils complete a self-assessment profile in the back of their work booklets; (against similar criteria as the teachers) and also have the opportunity to provide their own comments. More formal assessments and attitude/organisation grades are made at the end of each course. These are recorded on assessment sheets at the back of pupils’ work booklets, along with suggestions for improvement. These are returned to the pupils for viewing and discussion before they are taken home to share results with parents.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

The ADT Department are currently offering the following AQA GCSE exam courses: Food Preparation & Nutrition, Fine Art and Design & Technology. (See posters below).

For GCSE parents will be expected to pay a one-off contribution towards all necessary materials and equipment for each exam (including recommended text books where appropriate) for Year 10, and then in Year 11 pupils source their own materials and equipment.  

Recipe Book

South Charnwood High School produce their own recipe book packed with tried and tested recipes. All of the recipes used in Food Technology classes throughout years 7, 8 and 9 are included, (and more). A copy of the recipe book can be downloaded here.