Design & Technology allows for the exploration of approach and encourages experimentation. As a practical subject it will prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Design & Technology provides opportunities to work creatively when designing and making outcomes, building upon technical and practical expertise, whilst enabling students to gain awareness and learn from wider influences including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Through Design & Technology students are taught how to take risks, to become resourceful and enterprising young people capable of innovation and independent working.

How do we ensure academic rigour in our Design & Technology curriculum?

• Students engage with computer-aided design software and then extend this into the use of computer-aided manufacturing equipment.
• Students will learn to solve user-centred design problems, create functioning prototypes and respond to a given situation.
• Students will be expected to know and understand the basic principles of how to design, make, evaluate and apply technical knowledge through working with materials such as wood, plastics, electronics, and technical machinery which mimics the process in industry.

How do we nurture and develop our students through our Design & Technology curriculum?

• Students are offered the possibilities to work with equipment that would never usually enter into their everyday lives. The curriculum nurtures creativity and innovation, whilst allowing pupils to realise their designs in created functional products.
• Our subject is unique in that we look to solve everyday problems through experimentation, design, testing and evaluating. Peer review develops questioning and evaluative mindsets leading to students who are reflective.

How do we promote social action and courageous advocacy through our Design & Technology curriculum?

• Students also get the chance to work with materials that are unfamiliar to them, and explore processes whilst working with new materials.
• Students have their eyes opened to a world of technology that is all around them, but yet they never actually see. They have to consider its place and value in the world and how it can be used appropriately.
• Students are asked to consider how innovation in design can be used to address social issues.