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Product Design

Our curriculum is designed to equip students with a diverse range of technological knowledge and abilities across various domains. From cooking to product design, textiles to IT skills, students will explore the exciting world of technology and develop practical skills for the modern era. Through engaging projects, hands-on activities, and real-world applications, students will cultivate their creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency. Our curriculum emphasises design thinking, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and encouraging students to envision and create solutions for real-world challenges. During Key Stage 3, all students will gain practical experience in areas such as culinary arts, product prototyping, textiles, and information technology. Join us in this dynamic and forward-looking technology curriculum, where innovation, craftsmanship, and digital literacy prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.

What makes a good student of Technology?

Demonstrates a genuine interest and curiosity in exploring different areas of technology.
Possesses strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and analytically.
Shows creativity and innovation in designing and creating practical solutions.
Exhibits effective communication and collaboration skills, working well in team projects.
Demonstrates attention to detail and precision in executing technical tasks.
Displays adaptability and flexibility in working with different tools, materials, and technologies.
Shows an understanding and application of design principles and processes.
Exhibits strong organisation and time management skills to meet project deadlines.
Demonstrates a commitment to safety protocols and responsible use of technology.
Exhibits a growth mindset, embracing challenges and actively seeking opportunities for learning and improvement.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Curriculum Journey

Students will learn about Product Design as part of a Technology rotation, spending a number of weeks per academic year covering the following areas:

Year 7 – Timber Bookends
Year 8 – Bird Boxes/Technical Drawing
Year 9 – CAD/CAM

Teaching Hours: Delivered as part of the Technology Rotation – 4 hours per fortnight

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Exam Board - Eduqas

What is the course?

This is a EDUQAS GCSE course in Design and Technology.

What will I be taught?

GCSE Design and Technology looks at the knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake the iterative design process of exploring, creating and evaluating. The subject content is split into three sections: core technical principles, specialist technical principles, designing and making principles.

Which units will I study?

The course is split into two units of study; one examination and one controlled assessment task. Each section is worth 50% of the course.

Is there a practical element to the course?

Yes. The controlled assessment task is largely based on practical skills. In preparation for this, all students will carry out various practical projects and smaller focused practical tasks.

What skills will I learn?

During the course you will carry out, and be assessed on, the following areas:

Identifying and investigating design possibilities
Producing a design brief and specification
Generating design ideas
Realising design ideas
Analysing and evaluating
Communication and modelling skills

Is there coursework involved in this subject?

50% of the course is controlled assessment incorporating design, make and evaluation tasks.

What would be expected of me?

You would be expected to participate in design and making tasks, to reflect on your own skills and abilities, to develop creative skills and to be passionate about your work.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed on your practical and written skills, in both controlled assessment and written examination tasks.

What courses or employment can I progress to at the end of the course?

GCSE Design and Technology can lead onto a variety of courses such as BTEC Level 3 Engineering and A Level Product Design. It could also lead eventually onto any practical trade, for example in Architecture, Engineering and Design.

Teaching Hours: 5 hours per fortnight

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

To extend learning beyond the classroom, you should consider doing some of the following tasks:

Try cooking in your own home and try out new recipes, then share them through a blog or social media to refine culinary skills and creativity.
Start an online channel or blog to share information about your interests and enhance your digital communication skills.
Practice model making and prototyping at home using materials such as clay, cardboard or digital tools such as CAD Software.

You can also extend your learning through reading. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Book title	Book author
Taste	Stanley Tucci
Chocolat	Joanne Harris
Blackberry Wine	Joanne Harris
Science Experiments you Can Eat	Vicki Cobb
Emotional Designing- Why we Love (or Hate) Everyday Things	Don A Norman
1000 New Eco designs	Rebecca Proctor
Collapsibles	Per Mollerup
Structural Packaging Design	Pepin Press
Kitchen Confidential	Anthony Bourdain
Materials for Inspirational Design	Don A. Norman