Guidelines for parents of pupils in year 8 – Technology and Design
Throughout the year pupils will be given the following resources:
Departmental Guidelines sheet
Safety in the Workshop sheet
What is Design booklet
Pencil holder booklet
Structures Booklet
Lapel badge booklet
A Collins Foundation course textbook.
Technology involves teaching pupils through practical activities and theory classes. If
there is any issues relating to your child doing practical activities please inform the
school and Head of Technology as soon as possible. Pupils will be producing
homeworks throughout the year, some relating to theory classes, others relating to project
coursework. Project coursework makes up 50% of Christmas and June examination
marks: the Pencil holder for Christmas, and the Lapel Badge for June.
With regards to personal organization throughout the year the following points may
be helpful:
Each pupil is given a textbook with a particular number on it and is expected to keep it
safe, treat it with care, and carry it to each Technology class. This textbook is to be
returned to the department at the end of the year. Pupils must ensure that they do not
swap books with another pupil, or loss a book, as they are responsible for it and would
have to pay for another one if it is not returned in June.
Pupils will be given the resource booklets listed above throughout the year and should
place them in a datafile or similar and carry them to all Technology classes. These form
the majority of theory notes taught in year 8. Additional notes may be given by a teacher
and should also be inserted into the datafile resulting in the pupil building up a bank of
important information which is used throughout the year and for revision purposes.
Pupils should bring a pen, pencil, rubber, colouring pencils, 300mm ruler, protractor and
compass(not made of plastic) to class each week.
All homeworks must be written into the pupil’s homework diary.
With regards to homeworks and written coursework the following points may be
helpful:
Homeworks are explained in detail by the teacher. In addition most written coursework
homeworks are detailed in the relevant booklet and should be read before commencing
the work.
Homeworks should not be left until the night before the hand in date so that a pupil may
sort out any problems relating to understanding what is required. The teacher will
provide all the help necessary to enable work to be carried out.
All homeworks must be attempted to the best of the pupil’s ability, and be presented
neatly and clearly. Ensure the pupil’s name, class and teacher’s name is included.
Written coursework builds up section by section and all completed sections should be
handed in when asked for by the teacher.
The use of ICT is to be encouraged, especially in written coursework. Often research on
existing products is carried out in coursework. The internet is a useful tool in this respect
and if a pupil has not access at home it is possible to use school computers. A teacher
will provide information on this as required.
An explanatory note is required, signed by a parent / guardian, if a homework is not
submitted.