Design and technology

Mr D Massey – Curriculum Leader 

Key Stage 3 

Our Key Stage 3 (KS3) curriculum is based on the national curriculum for Design and Technology, and whilst it prepares students for Key Stage 4, it strives to achieve a greater breath than that offered in the associated Key Stage 4 specifications.  To achieve this, we deliver 19 schemes of work over the 3 years covering topics from environmental issues to food provenance.  We use a carousel, so students are taught by experts in the schemes of work delivered.   The disciplines covered are Product Design, Engineering, Graphics, Textiles, Robotics, CAD, Food and Hospitality and Catering.   

In addition to a broad curriculum, we also place great importance on the personal development of our students.  Design and Technology is conveniently positioned to develop Independent and Autonomous learners, Reflective practitioners and Creative problem solvers. 

 Independent learners:  We encourage students to take ownership of their work and we provide an environment where they feel confident and comfortable to ‘give it a go’ and learn from the experience. 

Autonomous learners:  Students manage their own progress and navigate their own learning journey in a supportive environment  

Reflective practitioners: Our students reflect on their experiences and their progress; this then informs the next step of their learning journey and facilities their independent and autonomous learning. 

Creative problem solvers:  Our students solve problems and feel comfortable taking risks in their work.  They are creative and they understand the importance of creativity. 

Key Stage 4 

At Key Stage 4 we offer a range of GCSEs and vocational qualifications catering for the diverse needs of our students.  Being optional subjects, our classes are all mixed ability and fully inclusive.  There really is something for everyone. 

Our courses allow students focus on their preferred element of their Key Stage 3 education whilst continuing to develop their critical thinking, problem solving and understanding of the designed world. 

Key Stage 5 

At Key Stage 5 we offer a range of level 3 courses in Food studies, Product Design and Fashion and Textiles.  All of these subjects are at least 50% non-examination assessment (coursework) which demonstrates the varied nature of these subjects.  They are creative, technical, scientific, applied and practical.  At this stage in their education, students are expected to take full responsibility for their learning and more specifically, their projects.  This can be challenging but rewarding in terms of self-fulfilment and external achievements.  Our students have won numerous national awards which have provided them with exceptional opportunities.  

Further information on all of these course is available on the Sandbach College webpage: https://www.sandbachcollege.co.uk/a-levels/ 

KS4 

 KS5 

We offer a vast range of extracurricular opportunities to our students. 

STEM Club 

Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) club is open to all students from Year 8 upwards.  Our students have won many awards, including Young Engineers school of the Year, 9 Teentech awards and multiple Big Bang awards to name a few.  Primarily students work in teams on projects that address real world problems.  Examples of projects include lighting for disaster areas and rehabilitation aids for Stroke sufferers. 

CAUC 

CAUC is our longstanding and very successful Greenpower electronic car team.  Our students design manufacture and race electronic cars all over the country from Goodwood and Anglesey.  They have been crowned international champions on a few occasions and are always working on their next car. 

F1 In Schools 

Our F1 in schools teams race small F1 style cars powered by CO2 canisters.  Our teams have won the North West championships on several occasions.  

Future chef 

Future chef challenges students to device their own dish which are then judge against a variety of criteria including taste, health and originality.  Our students have has much success in this competition in the past, particularly at the regional competitions 

The Common Room Restaurant  

Our Hospitality and Catering students and aspiring KS3 students organise and run events from our onsite restaurant.  These are often open to the public, so keep an eye on our twitter account for future events.  

Arkwright scholarships  

An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most esteemed scholarship of its type in the UK, designed to inspire students to pursue their dreams and change the world as a future leader in engineering.  We support applications from several students each year and have a strong record of our students winning scholarships. 

Trips and Visits  

We offer a variety of trips from day trips to residential, from a day in London to a week at NASA.   

Social Media  

Please follow our accounts on Twitter: 

Main Design and Technology account: @SandhighDT 

Textiles: @SandHighTex 

Food studies: @SandhighFood 

5 ways to help your child: 

1.  Visit museums and exhibitions such as the V&A, New Designers, The Design Museum and Manchester Science and Industry Museum. 
2. Watch TV programs such as Grand Designs, The Great British Bake Off, Design for Life and Master Chef 
3. Cook, build, craft and design at home.  There are some excellent STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) challenges available from organisations such as: Dyson https://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/resources/challenge-cards.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiApsiBBhCKARIsAN8o_4jE6AYk20Kukuct5x2B7f0xQKZUifyik6f7i1nPzwQqhjv0TPfAqHMaAmDuEALw_wcB National STEM Centre: https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/community/collection/165709/stem-resources 
4. Install relevant software on to your home computer, for example, Autodesk Inventor.  We have an educational license, which allows students to install it on their home computers for free. 
5. Encourage your child to play with toys such as Lego and Meccano