Design and Technology is an inspiring and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering and art. 

Our aim in Design and Technology is to give students the opportunities to become independent problem solvers with the willingness to work in a team for an increased collective value. Our curriculum develops the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.

Through our schemes of work, students will build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. They will also have the opportunity to test their ideas and products to others and review and evaluate the design process from beginning to end.

Our mission is to build confidence and encourage students to take ownership of their work and to develop their thinking into creative ideas. Our modern and sophisticated workshop includes 3D printing and laser cutting equipment, coupled with our stimulating teaching environment and specialist teachers, this ensures all students not only enjoy but achieve.

At KS2 students are taught to generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, prototypes and computer-aided design. Arts and crafts play a big role in developing a students ability to work with and understand materials and 3D models and this will be an area to build from to help nurture success.

Design Technology at KS3 will require students to develop these key transferable skills such as evaluation, critical thinking and problem solving. We nurture imagination and the willingness to accept failure as an integral part of progress.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, students will be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in a process of designing and making. Students will develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches and detailed plans. 3-D and mathematical modelling will be a key factor to develop the subject further. Students will be able to independently select and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture. 

In Year 7 the students design and make a spin toy whilst in Year 8 they build on these skills to manufacture a jewellery box.  The final project in Year 9 is designing and making a mood light using their own ideas or following a template.

Design and Technology at Key Stage 4 sets out the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating. The majority of the course is delivered through the practical application of this knowledge and understanding. Through building on their knowledge from Key Stage 3 students will manufacture complex and varied products to ensure a level of practical understanding which can be applied to independent design and problem solving. 

We follow the AQA Design and Technology GCSE specification. The students have 3 lessons per week (2 lessons of practical application, 1 lesson of theory and written work.) Homework will support written theory tasks and learning of subject topics. There is also a dedicated after school intervention one evening a week with another drop in day optional for students to help them gain the best marks possible in their coursework.

Students must also demonstrate mathematical and scientific knowledge and understanding, in relation to design and technology.

Throughout the course the students will learn about processes and careers in related industries, as well as developing core transferable skills, such as collaboration and communication, problem solving and precision drawing. These skills will enable students to pursue careers in animation, architecture, art and design and all aspects of engineering including aerospace and civil engineering.