Free Design & Technology KS4 Teaching Resources for Secondary Teachers
GCSE Design & Technology
Pupils at Key Stage 4 will be studying Design & Technology in order to gain a GCSE in the subject. There are various GCSE courses that secondary schools offer in this curriculum area. Examination boards produce specifications that influence the Key Stage 4 Design Technology curriculum that pupils follow.
Pupils will pick a specific course of Design & Technology (such as electronics, textiles, etc…) which they will study in more depth and detail than what they have done in previous key stages.
Pupils may be studying Resistant Materials. This engages pupils in designing and making products using a range of materials and techniques. They work with wood, metals, plastics and other additional materials. Pupils are taught to analyse a task, consider design in light of user needs and undertake appropriate research. They evaluate their work against a product specification that they have created.
Food Technology
Food Technology may be an option offered to Key Stage 4 pupils. They design and make food products. Pupils develop their understanding of food properties. For example: the function of starch, protein, sugar and fat. They consider nutritional value of food. Pupils will analyse products and how they meet specific needs of the consumer. They undertake research and create criteria for their products against which they can evaluate the quality and success.
The Morrisons site would be great to use when explaining the topic of growing food as they provide guides, tips, cards and activities in that area of learning. There is also a range of lesson plans for themed garden ideas (which can tie in with a landscape design D&T course).
Other Courses in this Area
There are also courses that may focus on: Electronic Products, Graphic Products, Systems and Control and Textiles. The ability to evaluate products, carry out research to arrive at design specifications and produce high-quality products to meet these underpin courses. Each course is studied in depth and a form of project will be asked of the pupil to reperesent all that they have learnt and what level of skills that they have.
14 Key Free Teaching Resources
Practical Action
Inspiring resources on sustainability, climate change, renewable energy and global learning
Find out more about Practical Action
Marks and Spencer
M&S have some great resources for KS4 Design & Technology teachers to use.
Find out more about Marks and Spencer
Computer Arts
Computer Arts is a site for Design & Technology sites as it provides tutorials on ICT and creation for teachers and their pupils to use.
Find out more about Computer Arts
Bconstructive
A useful site for anyone studying or teaching Design & Technology or Careers as it provides information on construction.
Find out more about Bconstructive
BSI British Standards
This is a Design & Technology site that can be used with KS1, 2 & 3 students in helping them understand British Standards.
Find out more about BSI British Standards
Morrisons
Morrison’s have lesson plans, tips, guides and more that Primary and Secondary School teachers can access about schools growing their own food.
Waitrose
Waitrose offers information on how production, the benefits of good food and its importance.
Dyson
Dyson have created a Telescope Game that can be played on the web or IPhone which is brilliant for Design & Technology and Science students.
Patent Office
Patant Office offers different packs that can be used in Enterprise, Business Studies and Design & Technology for all ages.
Find out more about Patent Office
Rubistar
Useful tool for teachers as they can create, save and edit rubrics that can be accessed from just about anywhere.
Google SketchUp
Google SketchUp is a downloadable piece of software that can be used to construct and design multiple ideas and also can be used in many school subjects.
Find out more about Google SketchUp
BNSC British National Space Centre
BNSC has teachers resources and video clips that educates students about Space.
