Design & Technology

Key Stage 3

All students study Design and Technology at KS3. Each year group is taught following a carousel. Every lesson is taught in a double (2 hours) and each module in the carousel lasts approximately 6 weeks.

Year 7

In Year 7 the students participate in 3 modules: Food Technology, Resistant Materials and Graphics. A design brief is followed and students develop their design and make skills. The modules last for approximately 6 weeks.

Food Technology: the students make a range of dishes that contain fruit & vegetables, following the guidelines of the Eatwell Guide and are healthy and nutritious.

Resistant Materials: the students design and make a frame using wood and developing their skills using machines such as measuring and using the mitre saw, sanding, gluing and embellishing their frames.

Graphics: the students design and make a chocolate bar wrapper inspired by the tropical rainforests. Designers need to develop their graphics and sketching skills to communicate their ideas and work.

Year 8

In Year 8 the students participate in 3 modules: Food Technology, Resistant Materials and a Graphics project. A design brief is followed and students develop their design and make skills. The modules last for approximately 6 weeks.

Food Technology: the students make multicultural healthy products that would appeal to teenagers.

Resistant Materials: the students design and make a mechanical toy developing their understanding of systems and control.

Graphics: the students will be asked to design an exciting, fun and imaginative reusable drinks bottle for the target market of 11-16 year olds, to promote the company ‘Save our Seas’.

Year 9

In Year 9 the students participate in 3 modules: Food Technology, Resistant Materials, Textiles. A design brief is followed and students develop their design and make skills. The modules last for about 6 weeks.

Food Technology: the students make healthy, nutritious products suitable for family meals developing their practical skills.

Textiles Technology: the students design and make a drawstring bag for a chosen target group for a specific function.

Resistant Materials: the students design and make a LED light changing lamp developing their soldering skills and creating a lamp using their design ideas and practical skills.

Key Stage 4

The Department offers the following courses:

  • Eduqas GCSE Design & Technology
  • Eduqas GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition
  • OCR Cambridge Nationals Child Development
  • Eduqas Level 1-2 in Hospitality and Catering

Key Stage 5

The Department offers the following courses:

  • BTEC Pearsons Level 3 Engineering
  • BTEC Pearsons Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care

Department Resources Available:

The Department has 6 teaching rooms:

  • E8 & E9 are workshops.
  • E7TS is a computer room with 23 computers, a printer/photocopier and also houses the Laser Cutter and 3D printers.
  • E11 & E12 are Food Technology rooms.
  • E13 is the Textiles room with 5 sewing machines and overlockers.

The part-time D & T technician has a preparation room which accommodates the circular, band saw and a number of other specialist equipment

The part-time Food Technology/Textiles technician is based in the Food/Textiles area.

Teaching Team

Mrs A. Loader
Head of Design & Technology

Ms A. Hawkins

Miss E. Harris

Mrs V. McCluskey
D & T Technician

Mr J. Wood
D & T Technician

Curriculum Summary

View the Learning Journeys