In Year 7 students are introduced to a broad range of workshop skills, computer aided-design and manufacture processes, focusing on developing knowledge of timbers and polymers material groups. Through the manufacture of an acrylic clock with a wooden frame, students develop the knowledge and competence to work safely, developing confidence in their ability to work with independence.

Year 8 students continue to build their workshop and CAD/CAM skills and knowledge with a focus on working with a range of metals, electronics and the iterative design process. Through the planning and manufacture of a USB lamp, a range of metal products and a toy prototype, students gain an insight into the skills required to pursue either Engineering or Design Technology at KS4. 

Students who elect to continue to study Design and Technology in Year 9 extend their knowledge of timbers, metals, paper and board and polymer materials. Working with greater independence, accuracy and more challenging processes such as virtual modelling software and 3D printing, students manufacture a six-piece burr and using creative ideas, develop packaging and product communication to market the product.

At Key Stage 4, students are able to choose to study either a Cambridge National in Engineering Manufacture or GCSE Design Technology. Both courses offered at Key Stage 4 develop the skills and knowledge required to study Product Design at A level.

Cambridge National in Engineering Manufacture

This qualification provides students with a basic introduction into Engineering Manufacture. Students who choose this course do so because they are passionate about manufacturing and want to increase their knowledge of material and processes both within the school workshops and within industry.

All students will study four topics. 

• Engineering materials, processes and production 

• Properties and uses of engineering materials 

• Manufacturing processes  – using tools and machines to make pre production prototypes

• Modern production technologies - utilising computer aided manufacturing (CAM)

The course is assessed through both an external exam and two separate internally moderated non-examined units. Upon completion of the qualification students are awarded a GCSE equivalent qualification.

GCSE Design Technology

The GCSE in Design and Technology enables students to understand and apply iterative design processes through which they explore, create and evaluate a range of outcomes. The qualification enables students to use creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes (together with evidence of modelling to develop and prove product concept and function) that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. It gives students opportunities to apply knowledge from other disciplines, including mathematics, science, art and design, computing and the humanities.

The course is assessed through an external exam and a non-examined assessment (extensive design and make project completed in Year 11).

A level Design and Technology

A wide range of students will be interested in A level Design and Technology, but particularly those who are creative and have studied design and technology at GCSE. Careers related to this subject include product design, architecture, materials technologist, designers, mechanical, electrical, civil and robotics engineering. Good course combinations include sciences, maths, business and creative based subjects.

For more information about this subject at KS5, please click here and go to the relevant subject leaflet.