Resistant Materials

Resistant Materials Learning Journey

The Resistant Materials curriculum teaches students how to design and make high quality products with a range of materials to positively impact on society and the sustainable world we live in.  They learn to think creatively to research, design, make and evaluate solutions to real world problems.  The subject also draws, develops and implements a range of different disciplines including mathematics, science, engineering, computing, geography, business studies and art.

Learners carry out a range of projects within Resistant Materials and combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products, and create systems, that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments as well as develop a range of transferrable skills, such as resilience, initiative and problem solving.

Key Stage 3

During Year 7-9 students develop their confidence using materials such as wood, metal and plastics. They use a combination of practical skills, merged with current technology (CAD & CAM) to produce products for which they carry out research, come up with ideas, develop them creatively and make them using appropriate tools and equipment. They cover the impact manufacturing can have on the wider world and are taught about relevant social, ethical and environmental issues.

Kay stage 4

In Year 10, students carry out a variety of small mini-projects that develop their knowledge of materials in greater depth and experience more complex methods of manufacturing.  They are tasked with a personal project that requires them to make a significant piece of furniture or equipment in response to a specific brief. This is in preparation for the Year 11 project that requires them to design and make a hihg-quality solution to a real-life problem.