Design & Technology

Design and Technology gives students a chance to learn about a wide range of different materials and their uses – with the opportunity to design and make their own products in a real world context.

Students not only explore design and making, using high quality materials – they also learn the vocabulary of design and technology, so they can discuss their learning and articulate their thinking.

Design and Technology, is a chance to develop knowledge and skills – engaging in a creative environment in which they can learn transferrable skills such as critical thinking and evaluation, with strong links to Maths and Science.

Year 7 – the start of a creative journey

In Year 7, students develop the skills they need for designing and making by taking part in a range of creative theory and practical activities.

They'll take part in a games packaging project, for example, learning about shaping, cutting and printing - as well as making their own pull-along toy by measuring and cutting timber, and learning about filing, sanding and varnsihing, working with a range of hand tools. They will also make their own pencil case using hand sewing techniques and learning about layering, laminating and applique.

By making their own products students learn to apply their understanding, technical and design skills in a range of contexts. This enables them to consider and solve real-world problems, taking into account their own and others’ needs, wants and values. 

Years 8-11 – imagination and experimentation

In Years 8 and 9, students develop the skills they have learned in Year 7 by designing and making products such as metal and acrylic keyrings, a LED light, environmental clock and mechanical toy - using a range of materials, tools and processes.

In Years 10 and 11 students learn the three key areas of the GCSE course: specialist technical principles; designing and making principles; and building and developing high quality prototypes. The focus is on, for example, developing realistic design proposals, using imagination and experimentation, and evaluating and refining ideas. Students develop decision-making skills, including the planning and organisation of time, and managing resources. They develop a broad knowledge of materials, components and technologies, alongside the practical skills needed to develop high quality, imaginative and functional prototypes – taking into account cost, commercial viability and marketing.