KS4 GCSE AQA Design and Technology

This course is designed to encourage students to develop an awareness of the nature and importance of Design and Technology in a rapidly changing society. Students will learn to combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices, all of which are essential in the technological field. Students work on a range of products in year 9 and 10 within a range of design specialisms. Towards the end of year 10 students decide on their chosen specialism to develop further in preparation for their chosen career choice.

Hospitality and Catering KS4

Our WJEC Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering will develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the Hospitality and Catering sector and provide them with opportunities to develop associated practical skills. It covers the hospitality and catering industry and hospitality and catering in action.

The course is broken up into two units that are taught across KS4 Lessons. Unit 1 is taught through a range of theory lessons which enables learners to gain and develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the hospitality and catering industry including provision, health and safety, and food safety. Unit 2 prepares our students for their NEA coursework, which starts in Year 11. This unit enables learners to develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the importance of nutrition and how to plan nutritious menus. They will learn the skills needed to prepare, cook and present dishes. They will also learn how to review their work effectively.

Lessons are engaging and challenging, therefore students want to succeed as shown through their hard work and not been afraid to make mistakes. Demonstration, and an excellent range of quality resources, is a key aspect of teaching in Technology. Through regular feedback and guided practice students master key concepts and processes in their chosen specialism.

Demonstrations and practical experience happens alongside theory lessons in each of the specialist areas so that their knowledge is embedded. Their knowledge is tested throughout KS4 to check for  long term retention of topics  Learning the theory of key areas alongside the theory supports our students in recalling their knowledge. Key concepts are revisited over key stages as well as between lessons to practice retrieval and recall.

At New Road Academy we have designed our curriculum with students’ learning at the centre. We recognise that a curriculum has to be broad, balanced and offer students opportunities to grow as individuals as well as learners. Our focus is to provide every student with a positive and creative experience of Technology whilst they’re with us at New Road Academy and one that will give them the skills to confidently go onto study within the area or have transferable skills for their next steps. The proportion of students taking Hospitality and Catering and Design and Technology as an option in KS4 is increasing each year.

Year 9 and 10 homework is set to support the progress and development of the student’s core skills and knowledge. This may be as a continuation of the work covered in lesson or an extra task that will in turn help strengthen and enhance their coursework and aid their knowledge retention and engagement.

In year 11 homework is set weekly to support the preparation for their final exam. Students will be given websites to support them and access to revision guides to support them in their revision. Students may also be set tasks that will support them with their lessons, this may be a continuation of the work covered in lesson or an extra task that will in turn help strengthen and enhance their coursework.

We have local colleges come in to promote their catering courses by offering our KS4 students cooking lessons. We are looking at getting local chefs in to talk to Hospitality and catering students.

A range of trips for students to experience real world examples of the theory they are taught across Hospitality and Catering and Design and Technology lessons.

At New Road Academy we offer a number of extra-curricular sessions after school with the Technology team to support students with their projects outside of lessons.

My role is constantly evolving, it is never stagnant, you never sit doing the same thing day in and day out.

— Dominic Devlin – Design Engineer

A career in Technology and Design often involves developing creative, solutions to existing problems. This may mean anything from designing video games to creating indoor living spaces. As technology advances, the range of careers in Design and Technology will also expand. Choosing a career in the Technology and Design sector is appealing for many as it allows individuals to find a rewarding career with room for creativity and innovation. By studying design and technology, you will be able to build up your creativity, problem solving, planning and evaluation skills, and team work, which are all important skills most employers look for regardless of the sector you work in.

There is a broad spectrum of job roles within Design and Technology these include;

• Designer – Fashion, Product, interior, Graphic, Interactive, Video Game,
• Engineer – CAD, Design, Electrical, Sound, Civil, Mechanical, Robotics, Aeronautical.
• Architect
• Joiner
• Carpenter
• Electrician
• Surveyor
• Steel Fabricator

To progress in this field there are many options for you to continue your studies after learning school. These include, apprenticeships, A levels, T levels, BTEC level 3 and University degrees.

The hospitality and catering industry is vibrant and rapidly growing, in recent years, the UK catering and hospitality industry has experienced significant growth. This can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in tourism, the rise of food delivery services, and the growing interest in dining out. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals looking to start a career in this field. This career path can be highly rewarding and constantly developing which allows you to constantly progress and gain new skills so you can keep growing throughout your career. The British Hospitality Association describes the catering industry as a ‘true meritocracy’ where people are promoted on merit and hard work is rewarded by rapid career progression. Pursing a career in Hospitality and catering can open up opportunities to travel the world, once you have gained experience working in the industry, you may feel you’ve got the necessary skills to launch your very own business. From pop-up stands to opening a local café or restaurant, running a business can be very rewarding. With careful planning, determination, investment and strategic decision-making, there is absolutely no reason why your vision can’t succeed. To progress in this field there are many options for you to continue your studies after learning school. These include, apprenticeships, A levels, T levels, BTEC level 3 and University degrees.

There is a broad spectrum of job roles within the Hospitality and Catering sector  these include;

• Airlines
• Resorts and hotel industry
• Cruise ships and airlines
• Coordinating banquets for events
• Managing a Hospitality and Catering establishment
• Owning your own Hospitality and Catering establishment
• Chef
• Front of house
• Events
• Holiday centres, theatres and attractions

With such variety, career opportunities within the catering and hospitality sector are endless. From pop-up stands to opening a local café or restaurant, running a business can be very rewarding. With careful planning, determination, investment and strategic decision-making, there is absolutely no reason why your vision can’t succeed and you could own your own hospitality and catering establishment.