CURRICULUM
In Design and Technology students combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team.
Working in stimulating contexts that provide a range of opportunities and draw on the local ethos, community and wider world, pupils identify needs and opportunities. They respond with ideas, products and systems, challenging expectations where appropriate. They combine practical and intellectual skills with an understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, health, social, emotional, economic, industrial and environmental issues.
As they do so, they evaluate design and technology from the present and the past, and its uses and effects. Through Design and Technology students develop confidence in applying their practical skills and become discriminating users of products. They apply their creative thinking and learn to innovate.
Year 7
Phone Pouches:
In Year 7, students are introduced to the foundations of Design Technology through the theme of designing and making a phone pouch. Pupils learn to follow the iterative design process, including investigating, designing, making and evaluating, developing an understanding of how designers solve real-world problems.
Students explore textile materials, learning the differences between natural and synthetic fibres and how material properties influence product design. They develop practical skills in hand sewing and finishing.
Through analysing a design brief and writing specifications, students create design ideas that are functional and visually appealing to a target user. The project culminates in the creation of a personalised phone pouch, where students demonstrate accuracy, creativity and an understanding of how materials and techniques are used to protect and store a product safely.
Year 8
Gadget Dock:
In Year 8, students develop their understanding of product design through the theme of gadget docks, focusing on designing for function, user needs and sustainability. Pupils build on prior knowledge of design briefs and specifications to create purposeful products that solve real-life problems.
Students are introduced to CAD/CAM, using computer-aided design software to create accurate digital drawings and preparing these designs for manufacture using a laser cutter.
Alongside this, students investigate material properties and manufactured boards, understanding how materials such as MDF, plywood and chipboard are produced and used. They then learn how to apply this knowledge when designing and evaluating their products.
Year 9
Anglepoise Lamp:
In Year 9, students undertake a more advanced design project focused on creating a desk lamp, developing independence in the full design and make process. Pupils respond to a contextual design challenge, identifying user needs and producing detailed design briefs and specifications to guide their work.
Students deepen their understanding of materials, particularly timbers and manufactured boards, analysing their properties, sustainability and suitability for use. They explore environmental issues such as deforestation and the importance of responsible sourcing, including the role of organisations such as the FSC.
Practical skills are further developed through modelling, prototyping and manufacturing processes, encouraging students to refine and improve their ideas through iterative design. The project culminates in a functional desk lamp that meets a clear set of design requirements, demonstrating creativity, technical skill and an understanding of sustainability and real-world design constraints.
Ks4 GCSE Design Technology
At GCSE, students develop a strong understanding of the design and manufacturing process, combining creativity with technical knowledge to solve real-world problems. Through a range of design challenges, students learn to investigate contexts, identify user needs and develop detailed design briefs and specifications.
Students build knowledge of core technical principles including materials and their properties, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and the use of modern technologies such as CAD/CAM. They develop practical making skills through modelling, prototyping and manufacturing, demonstrating accuracy and control when working with a range of materials.
The course culminates in the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), where students independently respond to a contextual challenge, producing a portfolio of work that evidences research, design development, testing and evaluation. Alongside this, students prepare for the written examination, developing the ability to apply their knowledge of materials, processes and design principles to a range of contexts. The course equips students with the skills to think creatively, work independently and understand the role of design in the wider world.
