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Schemes of Work
QCA

Design and technology at key stage 3    (Year 9)

Unit 09eii: Ensuring quality production Focus: resistant materials
Section 1: Design and make assignment (DMA)

QCA

Objectives

Children should learn:
  • to make a product in volume, using similar processes to those used commercially, by applying the knowledge, skills and understanding they developed during the product evaluation activities and focused practical tasks

Activities

Outcomes

Children:

Set the pupils a DMA in which they make a product in volume using similar processes to those used commercially. They should develop quality assurance procedures and use production aids, eg jigs, moulds, patterns, CAM, where appropriate, to improve the quality of their manufacturing.

Example

This example DMA has been written so it can be copied and given directly to pupils. Further details and contexts can be added, as appropriate.

Buckles and bits (linked to DMA 'Designer bags' in unit 9E(iii) 'Ensuring quality production (textiles)')

Design a fastening product that can be manufactured in quantity, rather than only made once. You will need to think about the kinds of materials and processes that are most suitable when many identical products have to be made.

Note: If this DMA is linked to 9E(iii), the fastening product will need to be designed for a particular bag.

  • select information sources, deciding which will help them with ideas for their design
  • seek the opinions of potential users of the product
  • draw up a detailed design specification that specifies criteria to take into account, including aesthetics, function, reliability, maintenance, quality, and health and safety implications
  • write full technical reports, including the import of data exchange files (DXFs)
  • produce plans that specify the exact details to make a product in volume
  • work within the constraints, considering and reflecting on the design criteria as closely as possible
  • prioritise and reconcile decisions on materials, time and production
  • adapt methods of working to changing circumstances
  • use competently hand-tools, power-tools and CNC equipment, if appropriate
  • take action to control identified hazards to themselves and others
  • review the extent to which their product meets the design specification at appropriate stages of the development

Points to note

Language for learning when writing design specifications and technical reports
  • Remind pupils of different approaches to language in design specifications and technical reports, eg how to link abstract concepts to descriptions of function, construction, finish, materials, making processes; the effect of passive and active verb constructions, first person and third person.
  • It is useful to have a range of design and technical documents available for pupils to refer to as models. Some pupils may need more structured frameworks to enable them to produce effective documentation.
Language for learning when reviewing a product outcome
  • Ask pupils to carry out a mutual review in groups of two or three. The reviewees begin by explaining progress and suggesting the particular points that they want feedback on. Reviewers ask questions to help the reviewees refine their ideas.

Sections in this unit

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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. Design and make assignment (DMA)
2. Product evaluation
3. Product evaluation - 2
4. Product evaluation - 3
5. Product evaluation - 4
6. Product evaluation - 5
7. Focused practical tasks (FPTs)
8. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 2
9. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 3
10. Focused practical tasks (FPTs) - 4