Design & Technology is all about the practical solving of problems identified by the students and/or by the teacher:  This is done by researching, planning, making, testing and evaluating solutions.

Year 7

Students begin to develop their skills in Design Technology through using a wide range of materials.

They design and make products such as an egg and toast holder or a photograph frame using wood.

They design and make products using metal such as an aluminium key tag.

They develop basic skill in working with wood making a holder, which incorporates a simple mechanism, for a specific product of their own choice.

They learn about electronics and make a fuse tester.

They learn about the use of CAD/CAM and design a bookmark.

They learn how to work safely and hygienically when using food and design and make a snack.

They learn to use a range of tools and equipment, including the cooker and use the hob to make a savoury potato bake and the oven to make oat cookies.

They learn the importance of healthy eating and design and make their own salad. They work collaboratively to produce a healthy “meal deal”.

They develop basic skills of measuring and cutting out fabric accurately in textiles. They learn to control the sewing machine and practice their hand sewing skills by using embroidery stitches to design a bookmark. 

Year 8

Students continue to develop their skills.

They use a range of multi-materials to design and make a product which incorporates a mechanical movement and a storage rack product.

They develop their skills in graphics by designing a promotional package for a CD.   

They learn how to test and evaluate their food products using star profiling.

They learn about the staple foods pasta and rice. They learn to adapt basic recipes for macaroni cheese and savoury rice.

They develop their research skills by investigating food products from another country and make a product which could be included in a supermarket range of cultural food products. 

They learn about Fairtrade foods and work collaboratively to produce a presentation on a particular Fairtrade food such as bananas and chocolate. They make a product of their own choice using at least one Fairtrade food.  

They learn about the functions of a range of ingredients used in making food products. they learn to whisk egg whites to make coconut macaroons. They investigate a range of herbs and spices and make chilli con carne. They learn about dairy products and make a cheesecake. They learn about where fruit and vegetables come from and the importance of sourcing products wisely. They make products using a range of fruit and vegetables including fruit salad, ratatouille and soup. 

In textiles they learn how to print the fabric for a pencil case to be sold in the gift shop of a zoo and develop their skills when using the sewing machine.

Year 9

Students continue to develop their designing and making skills.

They use multi-media to design and make a quartz clock.

They use multi-media and incorporate electronics to design and make a steady hand game.

They use CAD/CAM to design and make a mobile phone or iPod holder.

They work collaboratively using batch production to design and make products such as push-along toys, bird boxes and bird feeders using wood.

They learn about raising agents used in food production and design and make their own bread product.

They learn about a range of methods of cake making. They learn about industrial production of food products and design and make their own biscuit which would be suitable for mass- production.

They learn about nutrition through investigating teenage eating patterns. They make a product of their own choice which would encourage teenagers to eat foods rich in either calcium or iron.

In textiles they find out about environmental concerns and design and make a re-usable carrier bag.

Key Stage 4

Year 10/11 Design & Technology Electronic Products GCSE

Electronic Products is a practical problem solving subject.  The central aim is to provide students with the opportunities to become involved in the process of designing, making and evaluating.  Students also study electrical products and the influence they have on today’s society.

The students will also begin the controlled assessment task at the end of Year 10.

Students are expected to assess critically the sustainability of the materials and other resources used in their products as part of the programme of Citizenship

Year 10/11 Design & Technology Graphic Products GCSE

Graphic Products is concerned with the use of and understanding of information presented in a graphic form.  Pupils are taught drawing and presentation skills, which will be used as part of problem solving exercises.  Design work; including model making skills and evaluating skills form an important part of the course.

The students will also begin the controlled assessment task at the end of Year 10.

Students are expected to assess critically the sustainability of the materials and other resources used in their products as part of the programme of Citizenship.

Year 10/11 Design & Technology Resistant Materials GCSE

Resistant Materials Technology is a practical solving subject.  The central aim is to provide students with the opportunity to become involved in the process of designing, making and evaluating.  They also have the opportunity of developing an understanding of industrial processes and the influences of technology on today’s society.

The students will also begin the controlled assessment task at the end of Year 10.

Students are expected to assess critically the sustainability of the materials and other resources used in their products as part of the programme of Citizenship.

Year 10/11 Food Technology

This course involves using knowledge and skills to design and make quality food products.

In Year 10 students learn about:

Food Materials – structure and properties, working characteristics.

Food Product Design – applying knowledge through the design process.

Food Processes and Manufacture – combining ingredients using a range of techniques, processes and equipment.

Practical skills are developed through a series of modules relating to cake, pastry, sauces and bread making.  Students also undertake two design tasks based on these themes.  The students will also begin the controlled assessment task at the end of Year 10.

 Year 10/11 Textiles Technology GCSE

This course involves learning how to design and make good quality textile products to meet specific needs.

In Year 10 students learn to:  identify fabrics, understand the construction of fabrics, assess the properties of fabrics, carry out fabric testing and use different ways of decorating fabrics.

Practical skills are developed through:

A design and make task using traditional handicrafts and fabric decoration.

Making a simple garment using a commercial pattern.

Students will also begin the controlled assessment task at the end of Year 10.

They may choose from a wide range of design briefs to design and make a product of their own choice.

Students are expected to assess critically the sustainability of the materials and other resources used in their products as part of the programme of Citizenship.