Our Vision and Approach in Design & Technology

Creativity and problem solving is at the heart of Design & Technology. Through a mixture of practical and academic studies, our students have the opportunity to engage with a range of projects that develop their creative thinking skills and inspire a curiosity for learning. Through designing and making, students can see a real application of subjects across school and develop invaluable life-skills. Students become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and as members of a team. By exploring real-world issues and contexts, students combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, functional and industrial practices. “Design and technology is a phenomenally important subject. Logical, creative and practical, it’s the only opportunity students have to apply what they learn in maths and science - directly preparing them for a career in engineering” James Dyson

What our students will learn

In Key Stage 3, students rotate from subject to subject within Technology, on a carousel. This allows students to experience all areas of Design Technology and Food & Nutrition. Each rotation is approximately 9 weeks long. The curriculum is sequenced to cover a series of topics across the academic year in order to give students a full experience of Design & Technology. Students can then pick GCSE Design & Technology as an option for study at Key Stage 4, where they will further develop their skills and knowledge within this hands-on and exciting subject. The breakdown of topics covered across the year groups is detailed in the grid below. Please note this is subject to change as we adapt our curriculum to meet the needs of our students – this includes practical sessions.

How you can support your child’s learning in Design & Technology:

• Encourage your child to be creative and curious at home.
• Students will have a knowledge organiser for each of their schemes of learning. Students can use these to test themselves on the core content throughout the term.
• Question your child on what they have learnt.
• Students can make the most of design software (free for education users) Fusion 360 & Google SketchUp!
• Seneca is a great resource that pupils can log into to continue learning. Find link below. 

Websites you can visit:

KS4 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z4nfwty

KS3 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zfr9wmn

https://www.technologystudent.com

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/design-and-technology-gcse/#tab_overview https://app.senecalearning.com/sign-up (GCSE Design & Technology)

Fusion 360 - https://www.autodesk.com/education/home

Google SketchUp - https://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-for-schools