In Key Stage 3, students rotate across different D&T disciplines to develop a broad foundation of creative, technical and digital skills. These rotations expose pupils to a range of experiences, from researching packaging and user-centred design, to developing programming and CAD skills within Computer Science, to learning safe practice and manufacturing functioning products in the workshop.

All projects are designed around the four pillars of the national curriculum: Design, Make, Evaluate and Technical Knowledge. Each year builds logically on the last, enabling pupils to grow in confidence, accuracy and independence. Projects are deliberately crafted to spark imagination, encourage curiosity and help students understand how materials behave and can be used effectively. The KS3 curriculum ensures that all pupils feel safe to experiment, take creative risks and learn from mistakes as part of the iterative design process.

At Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA Design & Technology specification, which deepens and extends the knowledge and skills established at KS3. The curriculum enables pupils to explore the properties and working characteristics of a wide range of materials through hands on practical learning, technical theory and iterative design work.

Students develop problem solving capability, creativity and engineering accuracy through projects that mirror real world design challenges. They gain experience of industry standard technologies, including advanced CAD modelling using 2D Design and Fusion, 3D printing and rapid prototyping machinery. Strong cross curricular links with Science, Mathematics, Art and Business allow students to apply wider knowledge in purposeful and meaningful ways.

KS4 learning is carefully sequenced so that practical experiences reinforce theoretical understanding. Frequent retrieval, exam style questions and focused design communication tasks help pupils build confidence in their ability to articulate technical knowledge clearly and accurately. Students leave KS4 with a sophisticated understanding of materials, sustainability, manufacturing processes and user needs.

At Key Stage 5, students undertake the AQA Product Design course, which builds on GCSE content in far greater depth and sophistication. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced technical knowledge, high level design communication and a deep understanding of industrial practices. Pupils study the manufacture and behaviour of papers and boards, polymers, woods, metals and smart/modern materials, alongside contemporary concerns such as ethical design and sustainability.

Students work collaboratively with real clients, using data, user research and critical reflection to produce innovative, functional prototypes. They refine their workshop skills through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and machine manufacture, gaining insight into accuracy, tolerances, quality control and professional production standards. Advanced CAD skills prepare students for higher education and careers in design, engineering and associated industries.

Through sustained design and make projects, pupils learn to evaluate their work with maturity, recognising the connections between workshop practice, industrial processes, written portfolio requirements and examination content. By the end of KS5, students are equipped with the creativity, technical competence and critical understanding needed to succeed in further study or to enter the design and engineering sectors with confidence.

Across Years 7 and 8, students follow a broad and balanced programme that introduces the core principles of Design & Technology. Pupils work with a range of materials, tools and processes, developing safe working practices and building foundational knowledge in preparation for GCSE.

Practical projects are structured around the national curriculum pillars of designing, making, evaluating and technical knowledge, allowing students to develop creativity, accuracy and confidence in the workshop.

Year 7 Overview

Year 7 provides a structured introduction to the workshop and core technical skills. Students learn to:

• Build a model wooden car using timbers and polymers.
• Research, design and build a functioning piece of packaging.
• Create a functioning miniature playable guitar, using a combination of digital skills.
• Work safely and confidently with hand tools and equipment.
• Operate key machines correctly, including the pillar drill, vacuum former and laser cutter.
• Understand material categories and their working properties.
• Balance form and function when designing products.
• Explore iconic design movements, including companies such as Alessi and designers such as Philippe Starck.
• Use research to inform design decisions and understand why designers evaluate existing products.
• Develop 3D sketching, technical drawing and early prototyping skills.
• Gather human data using simple mathematical methods.

Year 8 Overview

Year 8 builds upon prior learning with increased technical challenge, accuracy and independence. Students learn to:

• Design and manufacture a functional wooden mechanical toy.
• Digitally create a dream house using Google Sketch Up and Augmented Reality.
• Apply safe working practices using glue guns, pillar drills and the belt sander.
• Create a variety of wood joints using hand tools.
• Interpret working drawings and manufacture products to precise measurements.
• Deepen understanding of materials and appropriate material selection.
• Prepare and apply high-quality surface finishes.
• Use technical vocabulary when analysing and evaluating design problems.
• Understand levers, cams and types of motion.
• Follow a design brief linked to researched user needs.
• Develop prototypes that strengthen problem solving and encourage calculated risk taking.

Use design specifications, research and manufacturing diaries to support iterative development.

GCSE Overview

Our GCSE in Design & Technology provides students with a strong blend of practical expertise, technical theory and creative design skills. Students develop an in-depth understanding of materials, sustainability, manufacturing processes, enterprise and wider design influences, including ethical, cultural, environmental and economic factors.

Throughout Years 9 to 11, pupils study:

• Core technical principles
• New and emerging technologies
• Energy, systems and devices
• Materials: sources, properties, working characteristics and manufacturing processes
• Technical principles and quality control
• Designing and making principles
• Ethics, social impacts and sustainability
• Data gathering, analysis and communication
• Tolerances, tools, equipment and accuracy
• Balancing form and function

Practical projects build progressively in complexity, preparing pupils for their NEA (Non-Examination Assessment), which begins on 1 June of Year 10 and forms 50% of the GCSE grade.

Students complete mock NEA tasks in Year 10, developing the skills needed for iterative design, modelling, CAD production and written evaluation.

Regular retrieval practice, exam style responses and theory-based activities ensure students develop strong exam technique. After school support sessions are offered for Year 11.

A-Level Overview

A-Level Product Design builds advanced design thinking, professional communication skills and the ability to solve authentic real-world problems. Students work through a rigorous combination of theory, digital design, practical manufacturing and critical analysis.

The course develops confidence with industrial processes, emerging technologies, commercial considerations, sustainability and user-centred design.

Core and Technical Principles

• Materials and their applications
• Performance characteristics of materials
• Modern industrial and commercial practice
• Digital design and manufacture
• Methods of joining, components and material enhancement
• Health and safety
• Protecting designs and intellectual property
• Design for manufacture, maintenance, repair and disposal
• Enterprise, marketing and feasibility studies
• National and international standards

Design and Make Principles

• Design methodology and design theory
• Cultural and technological influences on design
• Critical analysis and evaluation
• Selecting appropriate tools, processes and equipment
• High levels of accuracy in design and manufacture
• Responsible and sustainable design practice
• Project management and iterative development

A-Level NEA

For the NEA (50% of the A-Level grade), students design and manufacture a high-quality functional prototype for a real client. They produce an industry-standard digital portfolio containing research, specification, design development, modelling, testing and evaluation.

Year 12 Practical Foundations

Students undertake two substantial skill-building projects before beginning the NEA:

• Tambour door project: complex construction methods, accuracy, jigs, templates and tolerances
• Radio project: CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting and electronics
• Regular CAD challenges (Fusion 360)
• Advanced sketching and communication skills
• Soldering, electronics and prototype testing

These projects underpin the confidence and skill required for high-quality NEA outcomes in Year 13.

Year 11 & Year 13 Catch Up Sessions: Tuesday after school

Greenpower Electric Car Team: Wednesday after school

Fusion Computer Aided Design challenges

Sketch Like a Designer challenges

Additional design briefs requirements and expectations for creative, high quality and challenging design outcomes.