Technology
Staffing In Technology
Technology subjects are taught by six teachers; these include Mr Lewis, Mr Hughes, Ms Wright, Ms Flippance, Ms Steyl and Mr Lastiotis. They are supported by Louise Graham, the Technology Technician.
Aims Of The Department
The experience of Technology in Cumberland School should contribute to the development of the individual and should form part of their equipment for life. It is particularly important in today’s society, which is heavily dependent on technology and manufacturing products. Familiarity with the creation and properties of manufactured items and systems is important to both lay people and specialists alike. It should also be a significant part of education of all members of society, developing the qualities that will enable an individual to adapt successfully to today’s changing demands.
Our aim is to Increase the percentage of students achieving A*-C GCSE grades in Technology and reduce the attainment gap between groups of pupils. To ensure that pupil’s progress two sub levels each year, the department aims to deliver relevant projects that will engage and stimulate pupils and develop their understanding of the outside world.
The technology department has begun developing new strategies to improve the learning. This includes the introduction of a more accurate marking scheme to assess skills and knowledge and classroom displays with clear level descriptors for pupils and peer assessment, which are changed at regular intervals throughout the projects.
Each member of the department must be accountable for teaching and learning. Recourses made available to ensure the continual improvement of lessons. Improved links with parent/carers to monitor supporting work and general behaviour. Projects must be relevant, engaging and challenging. Raise expectations of some pupils by encouraging links to other subjects and how they can be used in the future. Challenge more able pupils to be more autonomous.
Pupil’s contributions can be measured by their increased achievement at KS3 and their involvement in after school activities.
They are encouraged to help with projects such as designing posters and leaflets for school plays. The yearly event of Diversity Day will see pupils demonstrating their skills by creating foods from around the world. This gives pupils added responsibilities and builds positive experiences and relationships with pupils and parents.
The technology department is developing initiatives that will see pupils learning how their skills and can be developed in higher education and the work place. Plans to work with the NewVIC and educational visits to Cambridge University and the Design Museum have encouraged further interest in Technology.
The Technology Curriculum
The Technology Curriculum in Year 7
In Year 7 pupils study Technology for 2 hours a week and cover the following units of work:
- Graphics
- Resistant Materials
- Food Technology
- Textiles
The Technology Curriculum in Year 8
In Year 8 pupils study Technology for 2 hours a week and cover the following units of work:
- Graphics
- Resistant Materials
- Food Technology
- Textiles
The Technology Curriculum in Year 9
In Year 9 pupils study Technology for 2 hours a week and cover the following units of work:
- Graphics
- Resistant Materials
- Food Technology
- Textiles
The Technology Curriculum in Years 10 and 11
In Key Stage 4 pupils study “Innovator Suite” for 2 hours a week and undertake between two and three units of work. Pupils follow the OCR exam board’s J303 syllabus. Work for the qualification is broken down as follows:
- Coursework 60%
- Written Exam 40%
Assessment For Learning
Use of “Know your Level” sheets encourages pupils to take greater ownership of their progress in class. They use the levels sheet throughout the projects and take part in peer marking to gain greater knowledge of what is required.
This year there is a greater emphasis on speaking and presenting to the class to develop learning.
Attainment In Our Department
Results at end of Key Stage 3 (Level 5+)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
| Level 5+ | 52% | 71% | 75% |
Results at end of Key Stage 4 (A*-C)
| 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
| Food Tec | 19% | 22% | 19% |
| R/M | 17% | 15% | 13% |
| Graphics | N/A | 44% | 24% |
| Textiles | N/A | N/A | N/A |