At Ellesmere Port Catholic High School Design and Technology, including Food Technology, is a creative, inspiring, and practical subject that allows students to have the ability to express themselves using a variety of resistant and compliant materials. The Design and Technology curriculum is collaboratively and coherently planned; with students accessing both areas through the years 7-9. As the student’s progress through Key Stage 3 they will build on prior knowledge and they will be exposed to stretch and challenge activities, regardless of their starting point.

The department ensures that all students are supported and any potential obstacles to learning are removed. Our aim is to equip our students with the ability to accept challenges, be open-minded and creative, but also be thoughtful in their work by considering environmental issues, cultural capital, and teamwork.

Health and Social Care prepares to equip our students with specialist knowledge, understanding and skills for working in this area. The study of Health and Social Care will allow the students to be aware of the skills that are used by health care professionals on a day-to-day basis, and how they are successful in incorporating their skills in daily situations. The curriculum allows students to be empowered through encouraging independence and creativity; providing tasks that allow them to engage with a range of stimulating activities that challenge and allow them to demonstrate their depth and breadth of knowledge. Within Health and Social Care, the students will also develop transferable skills that can be used in everyday life, enabling students to relate to others and gain an understanding of the individual needs of people.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is exciting, diverse, and it has been designed so that the skill levels are increased with every task the students undertake.  Engagement is vital from year 7 so we have carefully thought out each practical activity; ensuring that it fits the National Curriculum and provides the students will a diverse range of skills, including independent thinking, problem solving, and confidence in using materials. 

By the end of year 9 all students will be able to relate Design and Technology to the real world.  They will have the skills and knowledge to be comfortable within a variety of areas including food, simple circuits, and materials. They will be competent in reading a design brief, problem solving, and they will know how to critique and evaluate their own work and the work of others. 

The Key Stage 4 curriculum is an option subject.  Students are given the opportunity to focus on their chosen specialism and opt for the course that best suits their own career aspirations or interests.  Through year 10, the students will develop their skills of identifying and responding to user needs and wants.  They will also be able to identify any weaknesses within the design and make process. To prepare the students for year 11, they will complete a practice assessment to further identify their areas of success and development in readiness for year 11.  

Year 11 is cementing the knowledge that they have learned from years 7-10 and putting it into practice. 

Design

The intent of 3D design is to build on the knowledge and skills that have been developed at Key stage 3. Students foster their ideas through researching pioneering designers, Gaudi, Utzon, and Hadid and drawing inspiration from 3D structures, Burj Khalifa, Sydney Opera House, The Shard, and The Hallgrimskirkja. Students will create their own 3D sculptures using a variety of materials, methods, and techniques. They will be encouraged to experiment with their work and problem solve when they come up against challenges. The students will improve their analytical skills, use subject specific terminology, and annotate and critique their own and others work. 

Hospitality & Catering

The intent of Hospitality and Catering is to furnish our students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for them to progress to employment or college in the vocational sector. The course will encourage them to have knowledge of issues related to nutrition and food safety and how they affect successful Hospitality and Catering establishments. The students will also develop their food preparation and cooking skills as well as important transferable skills of problem solving, organisation and time management, planning and communication essential in the workplace.  

Health and Social Care

The Key Stage 4 curriculum is an option subject. We deliver the BTEC Tech Award Level 1/2 in Health and Social Care. By studying for the Award, you will gain the important knowledge, skills, and understanding that are the foundations for working in this area.  Students complete three mandatory components.  Component one is the study of growth and development within the different life stages, that contribute to the whole person including physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Component two  studies health and social care services and values – primary, secondary, tertiary, any barriers individuals face accessing them and how they overcome them.  Component 3 is the external examination unit.  The students will learn about  factors that affect health and wellbeing, interpreting health indicators, and  person-centred approaches to improving health and wellbeing. 

The Key Stage 5 curriculum is an option subject. We deliver the BTEC Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care. Students complete three mandatory units and one optional unit.  In year 12 Health and Social Care covers one external examination offered in January or May of year one and one internal coursework assessment.  In year 13 Health and Social Care covers one external examination offered in January or May of year two and one internal coursework assessment.  The mandatory units are based around the topics of Human Lifespan Development, Working in Health and Social Care, and Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs. The optional unit is Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs.