Design and Technology

‘Fit for Life’ through Design and Technology

The study of Design and technology is inspiring, fascinating and practical. It ranges from high fashion to innovative design. It equips students with life skills and ranges from traditional drawing to making an artificial foot for a bird using the 3D printer. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. We encourage our students to take risks and be able to participate in a rapidly changing technological world. 

Skills and Knowledge

At KS4, there are a range of subjects taught in the Design and Technology department. Every subject aims to improve students’ understanding of the significance of Technology to the economy and the quality of life. Skills and knowledge are built on from KS3:

• GCSE Design & Technology builds on the skills developed in KS3 and pushes students to be innovative thinkers specialising in Textiles or Graphics.
• GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition nurtures the future Heston Blumenthal’s; looking at the science behind the cooking.
• Hospitality and Catering students investigate the whole hospitality industry and what makes an establishment succeed.
• Engineering design students look at products in detail and how they can be improved.

Communication and Community 

Communication in Design and Technology is absolutely vital; whether it is verbal or graphical communication, this skill is essential to succeed. Each area of the D&T curriculum arms students with the skills to improve their own quality of life and that of others. Technology enables students to understand how to think creatively in order to improve the world; combining their knowledge with understanding of aesthetics and function. It helps pupils to become discriminating and informed users of products, and to contribute to their home life and the community. Students learn to become autonomous and creative problem solvers both as individuals and in working with others. Resilience is absolutely vital along with an understanding that initial failure makes a far more successful end product. Students learn to recognise needs, wants and opportunities and respond to these by producing a range of ideas and products which they can critically reflect on and evaluate from a variety of perspectives, therefore becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.

Assessment

Destinations

Studying design and technology, could lead to a number of varied careers including:

• Chef
• Front of house
• Joiner
• Graphic designer
• Fashion designer
• Architect
• Engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Nutritionist
• Dietician
• Costume design
• Fabric technologist
• Games designer

• KS4 Curriculum Overview