Design & Technology (DT)

Resistant materials (RMT), graphics, systems & control, textiles & food

 

‘Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future’.   Robert L. Peters 

The creation of design is a direct response to life and how nature / humans interact with environments and surroundings. ‘Design thinking’ in terms of the cognitive, strategic and practical processes by which design concepts are developed, has been the core element for the innovation of systems, products and processes to develop in enhancing and improving the way life interacts with the world. From the earliest communicative forms of art expression, through to physical and constructional forms of design for life and survival e.g. hunting and sheltering, design is a rich blend of an ever-increasing variety of materials, forms, techniques and processes that continue to be advanced by and have a direct influence on human evolution. We are increasingly able to explore further, question more, solve difficult problems and intertwine our creative thinking in an interdisciplinary manner to make our lives better. 

Design & technology at BMAT is a forward thinking, creative, practical and problem-solving subject. Through exploring the disciplines of resistant materials, graphic communication, systems & control, textiles and food, our pupils are given the opportunity to develop their creative design thinking to solve problems and realise conceptual / functional products that respond to themes within the current working world. 

Through independent and collaborative work, pupils learn to make informed judgements that shape their practical decisions. They explore ideas and meanings through the work of artists, designers and food professionals. Through learning about the roles and functions of design, they are given the opportunity to explore the impact it has had on people and places throughout different periods of time. From Harry Beck to Saul Bass, Mackintosh to McLaren, Vivienne Westwood to Yves St Laurent, Nigella Lawson to Heston Blumenthal – ‘There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.’ Milton Glazer.

All pupils will be given the opportunity to:

• Develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject, learning about design; Identifying and analysing problems they can see and developing informed decisions about how to creatively solve them.
• Work independently and collaboratively to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Develop creative thinking through discovering ideas and exploring different views in the world in which they live thus increasing their enjoyment and ‘wonderment’ of the subject in discovering its relevance to their everyday lives.
• Develop imaginative responses to problems, whilst being encouraged to think outside the box!
• Research themes using effective sources and plan an effective sequence of developing an idea. 
• Select and use carefully tools and techniques appropriate for making a product in a safe workshop.
• Experiment with new materials/resources such as smart fabrics/electronics.
• Have opportunities to realise and articulate their ideas using a variety of tools/machines, techniques and processes.