The Design and Technology department consists of staff who deliver a wide range of skills and knowledge based around the design process. This includes engineering, hospitality and catering and textiles. Students will learn and develop design and making skills based around different products in both KS3 and KS4. In KS3 (Years 7, 8 and 9), students rotate through the department to experience all areas and can then specialise in Hospitality and Catering, GCSE Design and Technology (Textiles) or OCR Engineering Design in KS4.

The Design and Technology department aim to provide:

• activities to develop students’ creativity , independence and problem solving skills.
• progression and success for all students.
• a relevant, inspiring and modern curriculum to mirror advances in design and technology in today’s society and for students to understand the pivotal role the subject plays.
• opportunities for students to develop skills and knowledge that will equip them for employment and life skills.

Key stage 3 lays out a foundation and wide range of skills and knowledge. Projects focus on the design cycle- developing researching, designing, making and evaluation skills. Projects link closely to attainment and assessment of the courses offered in KS4 so students can progress towards independent practice. Learning throughout the course leads towards skills and knowledge that prepares students for further education and employment but also gives essential skills that can be adapted throughout their adult life.

Students will learn to understand how a consumer-based economy both local and international is linked the development of products that serve the needs of society. With that, an understanding of the positive and negative effects of manufacturing such as waste, resource depletion and energy consumption needs to be considered and future solutions need to be considered carefully. We hope to instil responsible attitudes to green issues when designing, manufacturing or using products.

Design and Technology is a practical based subject that links closely to the world of work. Many of our students will follow in the fields of engineering and food-based careers that are offered in the local and national economy. Throughout the time at Morton, the department will integrate careers education into the curriculum highlighting opportunities in a range of DT related careers. We aim to get local industries into school and offer days out visiting workplaces so students can see first-hand what their studies can lead to.

Mike O’Roarty - Subject Leader

Rachel Jones - DT Teacher

Rhiannon Davies - DT Teacher

Lyn Ritson - DT Teacher

Neil Irving - DT Technician

Mandy Wallace - Food Technician