Design and Technology

The Design and Technology Department

The Design and Technology department has a strong tradition of inspiring pupils to turn their creative skills into making imaginative products that meet human needs.

We have invested in brand new workshop areas, which includes a separate CAD/CAM (computer aided design/ computer aided manufacture) suite. Students now have the opportunity to use industry standard equipment which includes a laser cutter, 3D printer and CNC router.  We have also invested in image transfer equipment and a Bagpress for laminating larger pieces of work.

Our specialist food teaching rooms and brand new workshops enable us to deliver a varied, inspiring and challenging curriculum which will engage and excite students.  We aim to introduce students to new skills and materials, to extend their knowledge of food types and tastes and experience industry standard manufacturing methods.

Students build confidence with a full range of tools and equipment.  Students are encouraged to develop their skills and knowledge through active engagement in designing and making together with material knowledge, process and design theory.

The Technology Curriculum

We offer a broad and exciting curriculum giving all students the opportunity to design, evaluate and make high quality products that meet human needs.

Students are set design briefs in Year 7 but are then encouraged to investigate and write their own design tasks in preparation for the move to KS4 as they progress through KS3.  Throughout KS3 students follow a project rotation structure. Students will study a project in each discipline – Food technology, Textiles, Graphics and Product Design each year during KS3 covering a variety of materials and skills. We introduce CAD/CAM work in Year 7 and then continue to build on this in Year 8 and 9, extending their manufacturing capabilities and varying the material outcome.

Students can opt to follow GCSE courses in Food Technology or Design and Technology.  Students following the food technology route (OCR) will be following the new Food Preparation and Nutrition course, and have controlled assessment tasks during Year 10 and Year 11.  The Design and Technology route (AQA) uses Year 10 to develop knowledge and skills, starting the non-examined assessment (NEA) work at the end of Year 10 which is completed in Year 11.  

GCSE Controlled Conditions
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition – controlled conditions are completed during Year 10 and 11 and make up 50% of the overall grade.
GCSE Design & Technology – non-examined assessment (NEA) work contributes 50% of the overall grade.