Welcome to the Design & Technology Department
Our vision is to empower students to become innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and technologically proficient creators by offering a dynamic and engaging curriculum that blends creativity, critical thinking, and real-world applications.
Department's Aims and Ethos
Our aims:
- Develop Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Encourage students to think critically and creatively to identify problems, analyse needs, and generate innovative design solutions.
- Equip Students with Practical and Technical Skills: Provide hands-on experience with a wide range of materials, tools, and technologies, from traditional crafts to modern digital design techniques.
- Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrate concepts from science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to give students a holistic understanding of how design intersects with various fields.
- Foster Independent Learning and Collaboration: Encourage students to take initiative, manage their own projects, and work both independently and collaboratively, building skills in teamwork and leadership.
- Prepare Students for Future Careers and Lifelong Learning: Offer students pathways to careers in design, engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and other technical fields by exposing them to industry standards, career opportunities, and further education routes.
- Encourage Ethical and Sustainable Design Thinking: Instil in students a sense of social responsibility, ensuring they consider ethical, environmental, and sustainable practices in their design and production processes.
- Cultivate Resilience and Adaptability: Teach students the importance of iteration, allowing them to learn from mistakes, refine their designs, and adapt to new challenges with resilience and perseverance.
- Promote Innovation and Use of Emerging Technologies: Equip students with the latest technological tools, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and coding software, while encouraging exploration of emerging fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable materials.
Ethos
The ethos of the Design and Technology department is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, innovation, and responsibility:
Health and Safety Policy
Our Health and Safety policy aligns with the school’s guidelines and emphasizes the shared responsibility of staff and students to uphold safety standards at all times. If in doubt, processes should be stopped immediately. All staff and students should understand the risks associated with Design and Technology and act responsibly to safeguard themselves and others.
Curriculum
| Year Group | Course |
| 1 | Clock & Sports Emblems Projects |
| 2 | Wooden CAM Toy & F1 in Schools Entry Level |
| 3 | Architectural Project |
| 4 | D&T GCSE Level |
| 5 | D&T GCSE Level |
| 6 | D&T AS Level |
| 7 | D&T A Level |
GCSE
The GCSE Design and Technology (DT) curriculum by Pearson (Edexcel) is designed to give students a broad and balanced understanding of the subject by combining creative design processes with technical and theoretical knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes the design process, the use of materials, and the application of new and emerging technologies.
Core Content Areas
The GCSE Design and Technology curriculum is divided into two major sections: core content that applies to all students, and a material category that students can specialize in.
Core Technical Principles
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of:
- New and Emerging Technologies: Impact of new technologies on production, society, and the environment.
- Energy Generation and Storage: How energy is produced and stored, and its influence on design choices.
- Developments in Modern and Smart Materials: Understanding materials like smart materials, composites, and nanomaterials.
- Systems Approach to Designing: Introduction to systems, inputs, processes, and outputs.
- Mechanical Devices: Movement principles, forces, and mechanisms like levers, cams, and gears.
- Materials and their Properties: Overview of a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, and textiles, and their properties.
- Investigation and Research: Understanding user needs, market research, design problems, and developing design briefs.
- Design Strategies: Techniques such as iterative design, user-centered design, and the role of collaboration and feedback.
- Prototype Development: Sketching, modelling, using CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and testing to refine ideas.
- Tools, Equipment, and Processes: Knowledge of tools and processes related to their chosen material focus, including safety.
- Design Communication: Techniques to present ideas effectively, such as technical drawing and digital media.
- Evaluating Designs: Iterative evaluation throughout the design process, reflecting on strengths, weaknesses, and ethical/sustainability considerations.
Students will focus on one area for more in-depth study: Polymers
For Polymers students will learn:
- Material Properties: Key physical and working properties of the chosen material group.
- Processes and Techniques: Practical skills for working with the materials, including cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing.
- Industrial Processes: Understanding of large-scale production methods, environmental impacts, and sustainability of materials.
Assessment Overview
The GCSE Design and Technology assessment consists of two main components:
Component 1: Examination (50%)
Written Paper (1 hour 45 minutes):
Component 2: Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) (50%)
Design and Make Project:
Students undertake a substantial design and make project based on a context set by Pearson. They are required to investigate, design, develop, and create a prototype product.
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AS Level, starting 2024-2025
The Cambridge International AS Level Design and Technology course aims to:
- Encourage creativity, innovation, and the application of design principles in developing functional and aesthetic products.
- Develop technical and practical skills in a range of design and technology disciplines, including materials, systems, and processes.
- Promote awareness of contemporary technologies and their environmental, social, and economic impacts.
- Foster problem-solving skills by applying design thinking and iterative processes to address real-world challenges.
- Prepare students for further education or careers in fields such as design, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.
Key Content Areas
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level study Topics 1–12.
1 The design process
2 Design principles
3 Communication
4 Design and technology in society
5 Sustainable design
6 Health and safety
7 Aesthetics and ergonomics
8 Materials and components
9 Stages in materials processing
10 Materials processing
11 Energy and control systems
12 Technology
AS Level candidates also apply the AS Level content and skills in a practical context in the Component 2 coursework.
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level study the AS Level topics and the following topics:
13 Industrial practices
14 Business and commercial practices
15 Quantity production
16 Materials processing in industry
17 Quality systems
18 Digital technology.
A Level candidates also apply the AS and A Level content and skills in a practical context in Component 4 coursework.
Assessment Overview
The AS Level D&T course assessment consists of two main components, both focusing on theoretical knowledge and design skills:
Develop practical skills in selecting and using materials, tools, and processes safely and efficiently.
This Cambridge AS Level course provides a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of design and technology, preparing students for further education in design-related fields or technical careers in engineering, manufacturing, or product development.
A level (2024-2025, Y7 only)
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum is designed to develop students' knowledge, understanding, and skills in product design and innovation. It emphasizes both the practical and theoretical aspects of design, preparing students for further education or careers in design, engineering, and other related fields. The course combines creativity, critical thinking, technical skills, and knowledge of new and emerging technologies.
Key Content Areas
The A Level Design and Technology course focuses on both design and technical principles, offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Core Content Areas
The course covers a wide range of topics, divided into two key sections: Technical Principles and Designing and Making Principles.
Technical Principles
Students will develop an understanding of:
- Materials and their Applications: The properties, uses, and selection of materials (e.g., metals, plastics, textiles, woods, and composites).
- Performance Characteristics of Materials: The physical and mechanical properties of materials, including how they perform in different environments.
Students will explore:
- Design Methods and Processes: How to approach design problems, generate ideas, and develop solutions through research, brainstorming, and iterative design.
- Design Theory and Movements: Key design movements, including modernism, postmodernism, and sustainable design.
- User-Centred Design: How to focus on the needs, wants, and limitations of the user, ensuring designs are functional and accessible.
- Innovation and Design for Manufacture: How to create innovative designs that can be efficiently manufactured, considering cost, materials, and processes.
- Product Analysis and Evaluation: Techniques for analyzing existing products and evaluating their effectiveness, usability, and marketability.
- Prototyping: The role of prototyping in testing and refining ideas, using tools such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and traditional workshop methods.
- Iterative Design Process: How to continuously develop and improve designs through evaluation and feedback.
Assessment Overview
The A Level Design and Technology assessment consists of both written examinations and a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA), which is a practical design project.
Paper 1: Principles of Design and Technology (50%) Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Non-Examined Assessment (NEA): Independent Design and Make Project (50%)
Content: The NEA is a substantial design-and-make project where students are required to:
- Identify a Problem or Opportunity: Based on real-world scenarios, students identify a design problem or opportunity that they will address through their project.
- Investigate and Research: Conduct thorough research, including user feedback, market analysis, and exploration of existing products.
- Develop Design Ideas: Generate, refine, and develop design ideas, considering user needs, material constraints, and sustainability.
- Make a Prototype: Create a fully functional prototype using appropriate materials, tools, and processes.
- Evaluate the Design: Test and evaluate the prototype based on feedback, and propose improvements for future iterations.
- Portfolio: Students submit a portfolio of evidence, typically 40–50 pages, documenting the design process from research to final evaluation.
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Design and Technology curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of design, preparing them for higher education or careers in design, engineering, architecture, product development, and related fields.
