Subject leader:  Mr E Davis

Design and Technology helps students develop the ability to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques. It enables pupils to explore the foundation of graphical drawing and using a multitude of tools to craft their designs. It enables pupils to develop skill with machining and make their imagination a reality. 

Year 7 acts as the introduction to basic tools and skills used in Design Technology. Throughout the year, pupils will carry out a number of projects that test their ability in manipulating materials and using tools. The projects studied are to create a key fob and a pencil holder. In year 8 the students are building upon the skills from year 7, students will carry out more challenging projects such as creating a toy and a lamp. Year 9 serves as the foundation to GCSE study, utilizing tools and techniques that are essential to study at Year 10 and 11. The students work on a mechanics and box project.

Studying the subject in year 10 requires students to develop their knowledge of woods, metals, plastics and composite materials. Other materials may also be used and the use of new technologies is also encouraged. The GCSE allows students to study core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment. They will also have the opportunity to study specialist technical principles in greater depth. The GCSE course has 50 per cent non-exam assessment in order to recognise the importance of practical work within this subject. The remaining 50 per cent of the course is a written exam with three sections, including: core technical principles, specialist technical principles and designing and making principles.