Design & Technology
Back to Subjects MenuWHAT IS THE INTENT OF THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM?
The intent of the Design & Technology department is to nurture students to develop their use of enquiry and decision making to allow them to become independent designers and makers of meaningful and purposeful products. Through the iterative design process, students develop their own creativity, thinking skills, practical abilities, and a sense of achievement in their own work. In D&T, students work to become resilient and reflective designers who see a project through and who grow in confidence by working alone or collaboratively, but always safely, in our shared workshop. Students develop a ‘can do’ attitude to technical problems around their own house with less dependence on adults.
Students typically investigate a given scenario inspired by real world applications and then work with a design brief and specification to create clear sketches and drawings both by hand and with Computer Aided Design. Students learn fine motor skills and correct posture through drawing activities and use of hand tools at a workbench. They use a range of machines and equipment to shape materials as well as Computer Aided Manufacturing to create high-quality products. They learn that properties of materials underpin the performance of products and their aesthetics.
Throughout Design & Technology in years 7-9, students increase their problem-solving skills and become more self-reliant by using exemplars and collecting information. They learn that designers and makers have responsibilities about social, moral, cultural & ethical issues, notably: inclusivity, local resourcing and preventing wastage of energy and materials. Students develop a ‘can do’ attitude to technical problems around their own house with less dependence on adults. D&T fosters an attitude towards repair rather than replacement.
These valuable transferable skills can lead to all aspects of work and further studies, such as the arts, engineering, manufacturing, or construction. During 2024-’25, the D&T department will decide on the option that students can study in D&T at Key Stage 4.
