London is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world.  As a result of these technological advances, London is also one of the most important economies in the world.   Traditional manufacturing no longer exists and technology in today’s London is far more sophisticated, is digital based and is continually developing.  With this in mind, Technology at Ashcroft Technology Academy, must keep pace.  In order to achieve this, we will dispense with traditional technology lessons and create in their place a multi-disciplinary, Technology rich programme for Key Stage 3 students, which will develop the skills the job market needs, in particular the London job market.

• London’s Financial Industry – and the number of financial transactions that take place electronically each day through its financial services makes it one of the world’s major financial centres
• London Fashion Week and the industry behind London fashion, which generates an estimated £21 billion per year
• London’s Media Industry, which is one of the largest in the whole of Europe with around a fifth of London’s workforce is involved in the media industry
• London’s Communications Infrastructure
• London’s Smart Start-ups and Silicon Roundabout 
• London Internet Companies

It is our aim to develop in our students skills that are transferable in nature and a deep understanding of, and an interest in, technology for the digital age. This includes Engineering, for which a comprehensive understanding of Maths and Science is essential.  We also wish to develop technology capability and the take-up of technology-related subjects at Key Stages 4 and 5 through our curriculum and our STEAM programme.

In order to achieve this, students at ATA will benefit from a comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology (digital), Art (fashion), Maths (finance) and a STEAM careers programme in Years 7 and 8.  We will continue to place importance on Maths and Science in the curriculum in order that students become expert in these important technology-related subjects.  This programme will continue into Key Stages 4 and 5, in a manner which suits the skills and maturity of the students at these Key Stages.

In Years 7 and 8, students will learn the art of programming, web design, esafety, food technology and textiles.  These will be in addition to the STEAM academia programme, Maths and Science.  Students will be able to continue with these subjects in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 along with the STEAM academia.

 

Year 7 An enrichment STEAM programme created to develop an understanding of business, eco-tourism and engineering and fashion.  The STEAM extra-curricular programme will continue to run and STEAM will feature in our assembly programme.
Term 1	STEAM introduction and careers event  Maths and Science master class (problem solving)
Term 2	Design and Technology master class (design and make)
Term 3	Business and Finance master class and careers event
Term 4	Urban living for a sustainable future master class (Geography and Maths)
Term 5	Media master class

 

Year 8 A timetabled STEAM programme with a focus on IT, media, financial services and design.  The STEAM extra-curricular programme will continue to run.
Term 1	A carousel of activities (5 weeks each):  Model UN – natural disaster  Web design  Programming  Graphics  iMedia  Financial Trading  Unit of the Duke of Edinburgh/ SPORT   Tech design	A complementary careers programme to run   concurrently through enrichment/ form time activities
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
Term 5