Design Technology
We aim to inspire students to creatively solve problems and innovate, developing skills for an adaptable future.
Curriculum Intent
Our vision is that students do not just make products in Design Technology which have been designed by their teachers, but that through a series of projects they are able to develop their own designing, developing, making and evaluation skills.
Our long term ambition is to produce thinking, adaptable adults capable of taking their place in a changing society whether directly through Design and Engineering related careers, or by using their problem solving and communication skills in everyday scenarios.
Key Stage 3
Design Technology at KS3 is heavily based on skills.
Students learn design skills with different ways of drawing and communicatIng their ideas and making skills through learning how to use tools, equipment and machinery accurately and to produce products made from wood, metal and plastic.
Evaluation skills are developed by analysing their own designs and outcomes as well as those in the wider world, and considering their strengths and areas for improvement.
Students complete one project per term and their skills are assessed in the middle and at the end of these projects.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Design Technology at KS4 builds on the skills learnt at KS3.
A series of creative mini projects help students in year 10 to develop higher level skills and guides them on how to complete coursework.
The aim of these projects is to guide students to find their own areas of interest and skill within design as they go on to complete an independent design and make coursework in year 11.
BTEC Engineering
Students can choose to study Engineering in year 10 and 11 with our Level 1/2 Engineering vocational course.
The course includes a series of mini projects which support students to accurately interpret and follow drawings to make highly precise products from different metals and plastics using a range of tools, machines and equipment.
Year 10 students carry out a guided practice design coursework before independently completing their real design coursework project in year 11.
