Design & Technology

The purpose of the Design & Technology curriculum is to create challenge and encourage critical thinking. The aim is for students to achieve mastery and the ability to think and apply their knowledge and skills independently. They will develop skills to be able to identify and investigate design possibilities as well as develop a broad range of skills and experiences in relation to the iterative design process.

Students will develop practical knowledge, skills and confidence and safe practice to develop prototypes and develop an understanding of how to analyse and evaluate. They will be given opportunities to keep up to date with new and emerging technologies including CAD/CAM, material and manufacturing developments. 

Termly projects are undertaken, focusing on design and manufacture; materials, finishes, joining methods and properties; processes, tools, equipment and health and safety; application of theory knowledge to design / project work.

The projects from Year 7 – 10 builds on a range of skills and knowledge and focus on different elements of theory and design project tasks. Projects become more challenging as the years progress with the incorporation of more complex processes. 

Links with subjects include:

Geography - Environment and sustainability, ecosystems, sustainable / finite Energy;

Sciences -  Modern materials, composites, nano materials, energy generation and storage, systems and devices, electronics, mechanics, material testing, chemical reactions;

Maths skills – volumes, areas, percentages, data, costs;

History – design influences, design era, development of technology, materials, manufacturing, work of other designers;

IT / computing – CAD / CAM software, systems and devices;

Economics – enterprise, circular economy, efficiency in design and manufacture;

Art / Graphics – designers, range of media and communication skills.