Saint Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School

Technology

Intent Statement

Exam Board: Design & Technology, Edexcel. Hospitality & Catering, Eduqas. Construction and the Built Environment, Eduqas.

Key Stage 3 Design & Technology 

The Design & Technology curriculum is designed to inspire students to operate in an imaginative way. Through our curriculum we will empower them to make and justify their decisions within a challenging environment that deals with ‘real-world’ issues. The ‘creative toolkit’ that we foster in the students is central to success in everyday life; inventiveness, resourcefulness, empathy, selectivity, analysis, planning, determination, communication, etc. - this will be the central thread that flows through our curriculum. 

Furthermore, Design & Technology is uniquely positioned to draw from and contribute to the development of skills and knowledge across the wider curriculum. Our programs are thoughtfully sequenced to underpin, build and maximize progress. Finally, we cater for diversity within our offering, always having an eye on the end goals for groups and individuals - aiming to build futures and to stretch and support all learners through appropriate levels of challenge and aspirational targets. 

Key Stage 4: GCSE Design & Technology 

The GCSE Design and Technology is designed to further develop the personal attributes and a creative toolkit that will enable our pupils to succeed in all manner of professions (inventiveness, resourcefulness, empathy, selectivity, determination etc). The common core, specialist unit and the design and make elements are delivered together to develop strong links between the theoretical and procedural knowledge. The course is front loaded with the technical vocabulary and the more complex process are broken down into sub-skills for introduction, practise, and assimilation. As we progress through the course the synthesis of these elements becomes evident, the questions become more challenging, and the students become more autonomous.   

Key Stage 4: L1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering  

The Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering is designed to develop a range of specialist and general skills that support progression to employment in this sector. Unit 1 (theory) is taught alongside Unit 2 to enable the learners to develop their knowledge in a practical context, whilst learning how to plan, prepare, cook, present, and review a range of dishes. Unit weighting dictates that we spend 2 lessons per fortnight on Unit 1 and 3 lessons per fortnight on Unit 2; Eventually this culminates in an externally verified task where the pupils work (from scratch) to design, plan, produce and evaluate a multi course meal for a specific client. 

Key Stage 4: L1/2 Vocational Award in Construction and the Built Environment 

The Vocational Award in Construction and the Built Environment is designed to develop a range of specialist and knowledge that support progression to employment in this sector. This course is new for 2023 and we have opted for the trade-based option (Unit3) which covers carpentry, electrics, plumbing amongst other skills. Unit 1 (theory) is taught alongside Unit 3 to enable the learners to develop their knowledge in a practical context, whilst learning how to plan, prepare and execute trade-based jobs. Unit weighting dictates that we should spend approximately 2 lessons per fortnight on Unit 1 and 3 lessons per fortnight on Unit 3.

Technology Curriculum Maps