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Design and Technology
BackIntent
It is key for students to have a deep understanding of Design & Technology to comprehend the rapidly changing world around them. A grasp of the impact humans have on the environment and how the world of Design & Technology can support the improvement of this is a focus of our subject. Increased importance is being placed on identifying real world problems and through investigation, exploration, and iterative design processes delivering real world solutions.
By providing students with the relevant knowledge it is expected that they can develop their critical thinking skills to generate ideas and present their solutions in a range of formats. Students will develop teamwork, interpersonal and presentation skills and a sense of their place in the world.
In Key Stage 3 students will explore a range of Design & Technology focus areas, including Food, 3d Design and Timbers. They will cover a range of materials and equipment, with a focus on building subject knowledge to support the development of practical skills. At Key Stage 4 students will have chosen one of the focus areas of Food, 3d Design or Product Design and will explore their chosen subject in much more depth.
Rationale: The National curriculum in England.
‘Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation’.
Objectives
Our curriculum is organised in such a way that it provides our students with the opportunity to develop academy values and they can be successful in their learning to become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Our strategic intent is therefore very simple – we strive to create a curriculum which:
- Provides a diversity of knowledge, which over time, cumulatively builds to provide the social, cultural and environmental awareness and responsibility of learners.
- Includes a focus on literacy that enables students to function in society and communicate clearly with justification and reasoning.
- Enables all students to enjoy learning and experience success, developing a passion for the things they pursue.
- Considers individual needs and can show empathy/ awareness for those less fortunate.
- Creates a culture of high expectation and aspiration, building independent learners who are passionate and inquisitive about Design & Technology.
- Develops confident and responsible individuals who can make a positive contribution to society and live safely and independently.
Implementation
Key Stage 3
In KS3 students will work on a rotation of Food, 3d Design and Product Design. Although each area has a different subject knowledge and skillset, common features like context exploration, research, design, development, manufacture, testing and evaluation will be consistent.
Using the National Curriculum as our framework, The Design and Technology department aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
- build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
- critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
- understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook
Key Stage 4
At KS4 students can choose from one of the focus areas (Food, 3d Design or Product Design) and will explore this chosen subject in much more depth. Exploration of the subject content will support students in developing a deep knowledge and understanding of the specific subject area, with a focus on research, design, development and manufacture. Students must be able to demonstrate an independent approach to their work, being able to problem solve, design and produce a high-quality outcome.
Review and Evaluate
The DT Department are continually striving to develop their own teaching practice, drawing upon the latest research, exam marking experience, and meeting with our wider network of schools. Our curriculum is therefore a “living document” that is reviewed and reshaped according to the needs of our students, to ensure they achieve their potential, and go on to flourish in the wider world.
Further Information
If you require more detailed information, please email the Head of Department. Mrs L Field:
Year 7
What will I be studying?
In Year 7 pupils will experience a rotational timetable of four different Design and Technology subjects including 3D Design, Product Design, Graphic Design and Food.  Each rotation lasts approximately 19 weeks allowing for pupils to develop their skills in these different areas. Designated time is allocated for them to enhance their drawing and presentation skill base.
Year 7 Product Design
Students will develop an understanding of the design process while working safely and effectively in the workshop. They will demonstrate increasing independence and teamwork skills as they design and manufacture a scale timber model of a famous landmark. Throughout the project, students will learn to measure accurately and use a range of hand tools and workshop machinery safely and confidently. This project will help build their practical making skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of design and manufacture.
Year 7 Food 
Students will apply learning about health and nutrition and the importance of the Eatwell Guide. They will develop skills whilst working independently in the kitchen to prepare healthy and balanced dishes. Students will learn the principle of kitchen safety and food safety to avoid risks and hazards when preparing food.
Year 7 3d Design
Students will apply learning about the design process from concept to design while working safely with craft tools. They will explore a range of construction and craft skills and apply them to the real world through study of theatre props and puppetry. Students will develop problem solving skills, independence and communication skills with a strong focus on wider world and career applications of the course content.
Year 7 Graphic design and communication
Students will build foundation skills in visual communication, focussing on deepening understanding of colour theory, composition and typography. Students will explore these key areas of study through an exciting theme, engaging student independence and individuality. Students will build on their visual communication and creativity through accessing a course of study that explores the wider world and applies learning to marketing and branding, while developing key practical skills in collage, layout and printmaking.
Year 8
What will I be studying?
In Year 8 pupils will experience a rotational timetable of four different Design and Technology subjects including 3D Design, Product Design, Graphic Design and Food.  Each rotation lasts approximately 19 weeks allowing for pupils to develop their skills in these different areas. Designated time is allocated for them to enhance their drawing and presentation skill base.
Year 8 Product Design
Students will develop their understanding of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and its role in modern product design and manufacture. They will apply these skills within a sustainable polymer recycling project, exploring how recycled materials can be used to create innovative and environmentally responsible products. Through the project, students will enhance their digital design skills, creativity, and understanding of sustainability in design and technology.
Year 8 Food
Students will learn about food provenance, food assurance, seasonality, sustainability and the environment. They will use seasonal and locally sourced ingredients coupled with a range of making and cooking techniques to create healthy, sustainable and flavoursome dishes.
Year 8 3d Design
Students will develop strong understanding of visual design analysis and further enhance their skills by applying the stylings and techniques of David Umemoto- using Umemoto’s work to guide their own design aspirations. Students will focus on building a range of practical crafting techniques and digital design skills.
Year 8 Graphic design and communication
Students will learn about the key application of visual communication skills through package design and branding. Students will develop confidence and independence in their problem-solving skills while tackling a range of creative digital design techniques on industry standard Abobe Suite software. Students will explore these skills through a set theme, applying learning by selecting appropriate materials, techniques and design and building towards a range of outcomes.
Year 9
What will I be studying?
In Year 9 pupils will experience a rotational timetable of four different Design and Technology subjects including 3D Design, Product Design, Graphic Design and Food.  Each rotation lasts approximately 19 weeks allowing for pupils to develop their skills in these different areas. Designated time is allocated for them to enhance their drawing and presentation skill base.
Year 9 Product Design
Students will further develop their practical workshop skills by using a range of hand tools, industrial machinery, and manufacturing processes to produce a variety of accurate wood joints. This project is designed to build the core making skills required for GCSE Design and Technology. Students will also gain knowledge of different types of timber, including their origins, properties, and applications, helping them make informed material choices in future design and manufacturing projects.
Year 9 Food 
Students will learn about health and nutrition linked to different life stages. They will also investigate the health issues linked to poor diet and lifestyle choices and plan meals to meet a range of dietary needs. Students will develop their range of practical skills using a range of ingredients including pastry making techniques to create healthy and flavoursome dishes.
Year 9 3d Design
Students will explore the theme of architectural designs and delve into the styles and techniques of contemporary architects- Zaha Hadid, Tatiana Bilbao and Frank Llyod-Write. In studying each designer, students will begin to develop the analytical skills necessary for study at KS4 and apply this learning into their own design work. Students will explore using industry standard software, such as Sketch Up (CAD) and gain further practical skills in working towards an independently created architectural model.
Year 9 Graphic design and communication
Students will develop visual communication skills through the exploration of basic photography direction and physical manipulation of images. The students will work collaboratively and independently across the course to create a range of hand-crafted outcomes that will challenge them both artistically and practically. Students will study the styles and techniques of Hattie Stewart and Heather Clements to deepen their knowledge of graphic design in the wider world and how it can apply to future careers.
KS4 - 3D Design
What will I be studying?
3D design is an exciting and creative course which focuses on improving the application of practical skills and safety in using tools to make a range of high-quality products. The course will build the confidence of students in a workshop environment to explore 3D design and manufacture.
This course has been designed to develop knowledge and understanding of various media that can be used to create design with a three-dimensional aspect. It builds on skills to explore, create and communicate own ideas from a given brief.
Areas of study can include: • Architectural Design • Sculpture • Product design • Interior design • 3D digital design
Students will work in a practical way, exploring different media to create projects, understand the functional properties of materials and combine to make design become reality.
Career Links
The 3D-design course will help with further study of any design course. The research and project management skills that you develop will also prepare you for the rigours and independence of A-Level study
• Architect • Product developer • Manufacturing • Graphic designer • Fashion
How will I be assessed?
96 marks • 60% of GCSE :Students will produce a portfolio that demonstrates progression of their design and practical skills. The portfolio will include evidence from several projects that show trials and experiments as well as final pieces of 3D work.
96 marks • 40% of GCSE :Students will respond to a contextual challenge externally set by the exam board. The externally set assignment provides the opportunity to demonstrate creativity and the ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and understanding, including drawing skills and written annotation. Preparation time is allocated prior to completing the timed activity.
Which examination board am I following?
AQA (9-1) GCSE Art, Craft and Design: 3d Design
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their portfolio of work as homework every week. Students are expected to work on their portfolio after school sessions and from home.
Students will complete personal research topics from a variety of primary and secondary sources to support their personal portfolio.
KS4 - Product Design (Timbers)
What will I be studying?
GCSE Product Design is an exciting and creative course that focuses on developing practical skills and confidence in a workshop environment. Students learn how to safely use a variety of tools and equipment to design and manufacture high-quality products. The course encourages creativity and innovation while helping students understand how ideas can be transformed into real, functional designs.
Throughout the course, students explore a range of materials, processes, and techniques used in Product Design. They develop their ability to research, experiment, create, and communicate their own ideas in response to design briefs.
Areas of study may include architectural design, 3D, sculpture, product design, lighting design, and furniture design. Students work practically, investigating the properties of different materials and learning how these can be combined to create successful design outcomes.
The course helps students build a wide range of valuable skills. These include creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and strategic planning. Students also develop research, collaboration, perseverance, and independent learning skills through project-based work. Practical making skills, design development, presentation techniques, and digital communication skills are all strengthened throughout the course.
Career Links
The Product Design course will help with further study of any design course. The research and project management skills that you develop will also prepare you for the rigours and independence of further education pathways, including Architect, Fashion, Product developer, Graphic Designer, Engineering and Construction-related courses.
How will I be assessed?
96 marks • 60% of GCSE :Students will produce a portfolio that demonstrates progression of their design and practical skills. The portfolio will include evidence from several projects that show trials and experiments as well as final pieces of Product Design work.
96 marks • 40% of GCSE :Students will respond to a contextual challenge externally set by the exam board. The externally set 10 hour assignment provides the opportunity to demonstrate creativity and the ability to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and understanding, including drawing skills and written annotation. Preparation time is allocated prior to completing the timed activity.
Which examination board am I following?
AQA (9-1) GCSE Art, Craft and Design: 3d Design
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their portfolio of coursework. Students are expected to work on their portfolio after school sessions and from home. Students will complete personal research topics from a variety of primary and secondary sources to support their personal portfolio.
Ks4 - Hospitality and Catering
WJEC Hospitality and Catering Level 1/2
What will I be studying?
Externally examined unit
‘In this unit, you will learn about the different types of providers within the hospitality and catering industry, the legislation that needs to be adhered to and the personal safety of all of those involved in the business, whether staff or customers. You will learn about the operation of hospitality and catering establishments and the factors affecting their success.’
Exam content
- LO1 Understand the environment in which hospitality and catering providers operate
- LO2 Understand how hospitality and catering provisions operate
- LO3 Understand how hospitality and catering provision meets health and safety requirements
- LO4 Know how food can cause ill health
- LO5 Be able to propose a hospitality and catering provision to meet specific requirements
Internally examined unit
‘In this unit you will gain knowledge of the nutritional needs of a range of client groups in order for you to plan nutritional dishes to go on a menu. You will learn and develop safe and hygienic food preparation, cooking and finishing skills required to produce nutritional dishes’.
Coursework content
- LO1 understand the importance of nutrition when planning menus
- LO2 understand menu planning
- LO3 be able to cook dishes
Career Links
Food Blogger, Chef Nutritionist, Food Photographer, Food Stylist, Food Technician
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1: The Hospitality and Catering Industry will be externally assessed Duration: 90 minutes Number of marks: 90
Unit 2: Hospitality and Catering in Action is internally assessed
Which examination board am I following?
WJEC Level 1/ 2 award Hospitality and Catering
Which websites should I use to support my learning?
Parents can support their child by ensuring students are regularly working independently on their coursework/exam unit for homework every week. Students are expected to work on coursework from home. They have access to an online database of tutorials and guides.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
https://classroom.remembermore.app/
https://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/
