KS3 & KS4 design and technology curriculum

Knowledge of integrating electronic and control systems into products is essential for effective design. By integrating more variables, this unit builds upon the previous unit in Year 9, 'Functional prototypes: wearable technology'. Computer Aided Design is key learning in this unit, which develops the knowledge from the Year 7 'Prototypes with mechanisms: promotional displays' unit by including electronics, control, and mechanisms. This lays the foundations for pupils to design integrated systems within subsequent iterative design units and the Non-Examined Assessment.

1. Systems approach to design
2. Input components
3. Monitor temperature and moisture
4. LEDs and Display
5. Clock and sensors
6. Data logging
7. Electronic calculations
8. Physical testing of systems
9. Parametric feature-based CAD
10. Part design in CAD
11. Assembly design in CAD
12. Drawings in CAD
13. Design for 3D printing
14. 3D printing
15. Assemble systems
16. Test and refine systems

• Pupils can identify and combine electronic components to create circuits.
• Pupils can program a Microcontroller to create a control system.
• Pupils can calculate and convert different units.
• Pupils can identify and integrate variables into a control system.
• Pupils can identify the desirable material properties for a design.
• Pupils can identify manufacturing process opportunities and limitations.