We are proud of the varied and exciting syllabus we teach in Resistant Materials Technology and the extensive facilities we have. All pupils can expect to work with and learn about a broad range of materials such as woods, manufactured boards, plastics, styrofoam and metals as well as using a number of ready-made components. Pupils will also gain experience of industrial techniques such as vacuum forming and CAD/CAM. Projects have been specifically designed to cover many areas so pupils gain maximum benefit from the subject. As well as Resistant Materials projects, we also cover basic electronics, systems and control where pupils learn how to solder.
Pupils are supported to participate in every stage of the design process. This can include activities such as; researching, analysing products, designing, developing ideas, modelling, planning, constructing, testing and evaluating. The subject really does offer something to cater for every pupil’s interests; whether it’s drawing, making or planning we build on their skills (regardless of ability) and develop their confidence and independence in the workshop.
- giving pupils as broad and creative experience as possible.
- providing a safe learning environment where pupils can develop their practical skills.
- increasing pupils’ understanding of the technological and industrial world.
- improving confidence, independence, decision making and problem solving.
- supporting the growth of key skills (communication, social skills, motor skills concentration, coordination, sequencing) and providing application for literacy, numeracy and ICT.
In Key Stage 3 pupils are taught a wide range of different projects with a mixture of instructed, design-your-own and group challenges. Various teaching methods are used and a number of thought provoking tasks are applied to engage all pupils. In Key Stage 3 pupils will work with all the tools except for the metal work lathe.
Assessment is both formative and summative. Formative during the lesson by verbal feedback and summative at the end of a project through self-assessment. Pupils are levelled against National Curriculum criteria. A picture is taken at the end of every project to show progression.