Design and Technology

In Year 7 students learn the foundational knowledge in Design and Technology that will support their learning in future years. They become familiar with the design process and apply knowledge to reach solutions, fuelling their passion for the design-and-make process. Over the course of the academic year, students will look at design influences through a case study on the German Bauhaus movement and its application in furniture. Students develop their technical drawing skills by exploring isometric and perspective drawings which are used to support their prototype making in the workshop. Students then move on to electronics where they look at how to develop a sustainable lantern which senses change in light before turning on. Here, students will explore how to solder components on a printed circuit board. Students then design and make their lantern housing using sustainable materials. Finally, students use software to design and make personalised plywood rulers using a laser cutter. This CAM project allows students to understand the application of software in the manufacturing process.

Building on their understanding of sustainability in Year 7, students will investigate, design and make sustainable toys. They will create wooden figures inspired by Lego. They will design and make a prototype using a range of workshop machinery including fret saws, belt sanders and pillar drills, whilst utilising hand making skills, such as dowel joints. Students will design their Lego figure using isometric drawing skills, and their timber Lego figure will be finished with paint and varnish. Students will then begin exploring hand sewing techniques through the creation of a handmade keyring. They will learn a variety of stitching methods while working to a design brief set by WWF, aimed at educating younger children about environmental issues. For their final term, food and nutrition, students will be introduced to key principles of kitchen safety and hygiene. They will gain practical experience working with different types of pastry, preparing a range of sweet and savoury dishes such as quiche, pastry plaits, spring rolls, cinnamon rolls, and more.

In Year 9, students refine their skills of responding to design briefs and client needs. Students explore CAD software to 3D-print their own Monopoly counter piece design which must meet a developed specification. Students will have the opportunity to develop their technological literacy and graphics skills by developing inclusive app interfaces through UX/UI design for elderly users. Students will be presented with a client and brief, and will explore methods of empathising with elderly users and identifying pain points through user mapping to establish ways of introducing inclusivity to the design process. For their last term, students will continue to build their culinary skills through food and nutrition. They will explore a range of dietary needs and discover dishes from different cultures around the world. Practical tasks include preparing a variety of international recipes such as Italian sponge cake with buttercream, Macaroni cheese, Chinese-style rice, and more.

At KS4, students have the opportunity to study GCSE Design & Technology. This subject provides students with the opportunity to solve problems through critical design thinking, presented through a series of coursework projects, and for the written exam to test for knowledge of material and processes developed over the two-year programme. This course is designed not only for anyone who intends to pursue a career in the design world, but it gives students the skillset to work with a range of materials and processes. All students will design and make practical solutions to real-life problems. The course provides students with real practical and transferable skills with many degrees and careers in and out of design including engineering, dentistry and graphics.

At GCSE, students will develop creativity (the process of coming up with original ideas that have value), their ability to tolerate uncertainty, work independently and to develop their own ideas.  They will also develop skills relating to analysis and understanding of design, collection and presentation of resources, observations, and ideas, as well as the ability to use various materials, development, and presentation of their design ideas. They will learn about the working properties of a range of materials including (but not limited to) plastics, timbers, metals, smart materials and a range of sustainable alternatives.

A-Level Design & Technology (Eduqas) – Course Overview

A-level Design & Technology is a creative and practical subject that equips students with the skills to design and develop innovative products. It covers materials, manufacturing, sustainability, and the impact of technology on the modern world.

Course Structure

Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century (50%)
A 3-hour written exam assessing knowledge of materials, processes, digital technologies, environmental impact, and design influences. Around 15% of the paper includes maths-based questions, and science principles are applied throughout, especially in areas like materials, electronics, and mechanics.
Component 2: Design and Make Project (50%)
An in-depth, independent project where students identify a real-world problem and design, prototype, and evaluate a solution.

Future Pathways and Careers

This course is excellent preparation for careers in:

• Product and Industrial Design
• Architecture and Interior Design
• Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.)
• Graphic Design and UX/UI Design
• Construction and Project Management
• Sustainable Design and Environmental Technology

It also builds transferable skills in critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—highly valued in many industries. Many students go on to study related subjects at university or pursue apprenticeships in design and engineering fields.