Design Technology and Engineering

Curriculum Overview

DT Vision

Design Technology has always played such an important part, not only in every student’s education, but in preparation for their lives ahead. This subject aims to impart knowledge and practical skills in order to lead individuals towards levels of expertise within different Engineering disciplines, alongside a strong range of practical skills for life in the likes of wood work. 

With the rapidly, and ever-changing, technological world it is important that the Design Technology department instills a sense of inquisitiveness in students. This aims to produce well rounded individuals committed to learning beyond their years within education ensuring they are not left behind by future technological advances. 

One of the focuses of Design Technology is the teaching, and then refinement, of practical skills through progressively challenging tasks designed to scaffold and build on these skills over time. Another focus is the design process, encouraging inquisitiveness through research, creativity through designing and problem solving, then reflectivity through evaluative tasks. 

Design Technology lessons aim to inspire the next generation of tradesmen/women, CAD Designers, Engineers of all disciplines and Product Designers among a range of other professions. Students will develop the skills and creativity required to produce excellent outcomes that meet a need or solve a problem.

Use the link to read our DT intent for KS3 and KS4.

DT Curriculum Overview 

Use the links below to explore the DT curriculum journey. 

Curriculum Team 

Mrs E. Waller - Head of Creative Arts

 Mr. M Friday - Teacher of Design Technology and Engineering

Ms. N. Lyne - Art and Design Technology Technician

Key Stage 4 Courses

KS4 pupils are offered VCERT Engineering Level 1/2  

NCFE Engineering

Homework

Design Technology homework booklets will be provided to students. These booklets contain project-based homework tasks to reflect the main aims of the Design Technology Curriculum. Any specific or unusual resources and materials will be provided by the department 

The homework booklets and projects can also be worked on within the after-school sessions in the department. 

Enrichment Opportunities

The Design Technology department will be offering a range of enrichment opportunities designed to enhance and extend the student experience of the subject, these include trips, after school clubs and workshops with visiting experts. 

Visits to local Engineering companies, further education establishments and nationally run practical contests between schools will provide students with exposure to Design Technology and Engineering in real life scenarios, helping to give students an insight and provide context for what they learn in Design Technology. 

After school Design Technology themed clubs will also be running. These clubs will provide students with an opportunity to both extend their in-classroom learning and develop brand new skills, all within a creative and welcoming environment. Previously an Animation club has been run whereby students use both stop motion and CAD based techniques. 

Alongside external trips and after school clubs, we are planning workshops to take place within school. The workshops will consist of experts within a particular field of Engineering/Design Technology visiting and presenting a challenge to students that they will have to work through.  

Intervention sessions for year 11 students will also run weekly to ensure that they reach the very best of their potential within Design Technology. 

Exploring Careers in DT

Throughout all of the projects, delivered within Design Technology, different careers are highlighted to students, showing the link to real life and again allowing them to understand their learning in context. 

The following career areas are covered at KS3: 

Year 7 – Forestry, Electronic Engineer, Manmade Board Manufacturing 

Year 8 – CAD Engineer, Product Designer, Metal worker 

Year 9 – CAD Designer, Civil Engineer, Plastic Manufacturing 

At KS4 pupils learn about careers through Further Education visits and workshops.