DT, Year 9

Aims of the course
Students are to research into needs and identified problems. To develop an ability to generate a number of ideas and refine their solutions into a working prototype. Students learn how to plan and make their products using tools, equipment and machinery in a safe and logical manner. Students test and evaluate their products to suggest improvements.

Summary overview of the programme: Core texts

Project 1 – Tea Light Project

  • Design a tea light holder using a variety of materials including woods and metals.
  • Develop a final idea through isometric sketches
  • Plan the production stages
  • Produce the tea light holder in the workshops using the tools and machinery
  • Test and evaluate the product
  • Self Assessment.

Project 2 – CAD/CAM – Chocolate Bar Project

  • Develop an idea for a new chocolate bar
  • Model designs for the bar in Pro/desktop CAD software.
  • Convert final idea in to a tool path way.
  • Use tool pathway on the CNC Router to cut the shape.
  • Vacuum form the mould to produce a female mould to pour chocolate into.
  • Pour chocolate into the mould and test the bar out.
  • Develop an idea for a new chocolate bar wrapper.
  • Learn the basics of drawing boards and equipment.
  • Draw a set of simple nets using the equipment.
  • Investigate into wrapper design and lettering styles.
  • Develop a final idea using hand drawing techniques
  • Present a final idea. Wrap this around the chocolate bar mould to simulate a new chocolate bar and wrapper.
  • Test and evaluate the design.
  • Self assessment.

Project 3 – Mechanisms – Moving Toy Project

  • Research into types of motion
  • Investigate into mechanisms which produce motion
  • Design a moving toy based on a CAM mechanism
  • Following instructions make a framework to hold the mechanism using wood joints.
  • Develop a final idea for the toy
  • Plan the stages of construction
  • Using a range of materials make the rest of the moving toy
  • Testing and evaluate the product
  • Self Assessment

Project 4 –Graphics – Advertising

  • Analyse a range of good adverts
  • Learn how to use Photoshop, desktop publishing software.
  • Create logo designs using the computer
  • Analyse a range of designer products.
  • Design an advert for the designer product.
  • Learn how to import images into Photoshop
  • Print out advert in colour
  • Testing and evaluate the advert Self Assessment

Creative Design
Students will be given a series of “one-off” tasks which aim to develop creative thinking and teamwork.

Assessment
Students are assessed according to the following framework

  • Individual design sheets are graded A-E for content
  • An effort mark will be given from 1-5 for each sheet.
  • Advice will be given on how to improve each sheet.
  • During the course of the project students are encouraged to make these improvements as advised.
  • At the end of the project a summative assessment is completed by both teacher and student.