Design Technology
Product Design | Textiles | Food Technology
Head of Department: Mrs Kemp
Curriculum Intent
The Design Technology curriculum aims to develop creative, practical and technical skills, enabling students to design and make products that solve real-world problems while promoting independence, resilience and an understanding of sustainability.
Department Overview
The Design Technology department provides a creative and engaging learning environment where students develop practical, technical and problem-solving skills across Product Design, Textiles and Food Technology.
Teachers within the department bring a range of knowledge, experience and subject expertise. This supports students in becoming confident and independent learners, preparing them for life beyond school. Students are encouraged to think creatively, make informed decisions and develop an awareness of sustainability, culture and the wider world.
Learning is delivered through a variety of topics at KS3 and KS4, combining both theoretical and practical elements.
Key Stage 3 Design & Technology
At Key Stage 3, students rotate through Product Design, Textiles and Food Technology, building a broad foundation of skills.
The subject is delivered through termly rotations, allowing students to experience each area of Design Technology throughout the key stage. Students develop their designing, making and evaluation skills through a range of structured projects. As they progress, they are given increasing responsibility, enabling them to work more independently and make informed design decisions.
Within Food Technology, students develop essential life skills through practical cooking and theory-based learning. They are encouraged to be creative and increasingly independent, gaining confidence in preparing a range of dishes. Students learn about nutrition, healthy eating and cultural influences on food, and by the end of Year 9 they will have developed a usable recipe bank. They are also introduced to CAM programmes to understand portion sizing and costing, and CAD programmes to design packaging and labelling. Learning is supported through practical work, written tasks, work booklets and Google Classroom resources.
Within Product Design, students develop their understanding of the design process through a range of practical projects. They learn how to research, generate ideas, develop and model concepts, and produce final outcomes using a variety of materials and tools. Students build knowledge of materials, sustainability and manufacturing processes, while developing accuracy, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Within Textiles, students develop practical making skills alongside creative design thinking. They learn how to use a range of materials and techniques, including hand sewing and decorative processes, while developing an understanding of sustainability and the importance of reusing materials.
By the end of Key Stage 3, students will have developed a secure understanding of nutrition, food preparation and cooking techniques. They will be able to plan, prepare and evaluate a range of dishes with increasing independence, and understand how to make informed choices about diet and health. This provides a strong foundation for progression to the Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering course.
Students will also be able to confidently design, make and evaluate products across a range of materials, demonstrating an understanding of the design process, materials and manufacturing techniques. They will have developed the skills to respond to design briefs independently, providing a strong foundation for progression to GCSE Design Technology.
Year 7
Product Design – Nature Models
Students take inspiration from nature to design and make creative models. They explore how natural forms influence design while developing skills in shaping, joining and finishing materials.
Textiles – Scrap Monsters
Students design and make a decorative “Scrap Monster” using recycled materials. This project introduces basic hand sewing techniques, including running stitch and over stitch, while encouraging creativity and sustainability.
Food Technology – Healthy Eating
Students learn essential cooking skills, kitchen safety and the principles of a healthy diet. They develop an understanding of nutrition and how to make informed food choices.
Year 8
Product Design – Sustainable Living
Students design products with sustainability in mind, exploring eco-friendly materials and considering the environmental impact of their designs.
Electronics – Torches
Students design and make a working torch, developing their understanding of circuits, components and basic electronics.
Food Technology – Food from Around the World
Students explore a range of global cuisines, developing practical cooking skills and an understanding of cultural influences on food.
Year 9
Product Design – Bee and Bird Boxes (Reclaimed Materials)
Students design and make bird or bee boxes using reclaimed materials. This project develops workshop skills and promotes sustainability and environmental awareness.
Textiles – Tote Bags (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Students design and make a reusable tote bag, building on prior sewing skills while focusing on sustainability and reducing waste.
Food Technology – Life Skills and Catering
Students develop more advanced cooking skills, including pastry, and take part in a catering project. They learn about meal planning, budgeting and the hospitality industry.
Assessment
Students are assessed throughout KS3 using a combination of:
Practical work
Written work
End of year tests (Years 7 and 8)
Practical assessment (Year 9)
Design Technology Overview
Through the study of Design Technology at Key Stage 3, students develop a broad range of skills across designing, making and evaluating. They gain confidence in working with a variety of materials, tools and ingredients, while also developing creativity, problem-solving and resilience. The curriculum promotes an understanding of sustainability and real-world application, ensuring students are well prepared for further study and everyday life.