In Design and Technology students learn about the design and manufacture of products and garments; and understand why only a small number of these become design classics.

We encourage students to design and make their own working products; and provide them with the opportunity to work in a specialist design discipline such as, textiles, product design, graphic design, jewellery, architecture, electronics and engineering. All year groups have access to the latest computer aided design and manufacturing technology and importantly, are able to match their projects and design outcomes to industry standards. Work related learning projects allow students to consider potential future career path ways – for GCSE, A level and beyond.

Students also discover how today’s designers are responding to socio-economic and environmental issues. They develop the skills necessary to be a successful designer, architect or engineer and even make the first steps toward a rewarding career in design.

Visiting designers, engineers, construction industry experts and architects and ex-students support our classes and allow students to experience what it is like to work on real life design projects and to develop and test products for a real client.  Students are encouraged to work independently, writing their own briefs and to develop their own personalised learning objectives.

The Curriculum: Keys Stage 3

Throughout each academic year, students engage in a variety of projects across a range of contrasting design disciplines. In Years 7, 8, and 9, students complete four projects per year, with a focus on either product design or textiles. They are introduced to both traditional and modern, technology-driven making techniques, and are encouraged to become confident, independent users of all workshop environments.

Each year at Key Stage 3, students are set specific design-and-make tasks that help them develop a broad repertoire of designing and making skills. Relevant theory topics are taught alongside practical activities, ensuring a strong foundation and smooth transition into GCSE Design & Technology. Current Year 7 Projects are Plywood box and toy, Plastic monster frame, cushion, cross body bag, Year 8 Bookend project, LED light box, Printed drawstring bag, tote bag, Year 9 Bird box, Copper tea light, Pyjamas & 3D printed light Project.

The Curriculum: Key Stage 4

Two D&T options are offered at GCSE: Product Design and Textiles. Problem solving, designing, and making are at the core of both courses. In Year 10, students work on a range of projects that develop their design, drawing, and making skills alongside their exam theory knowledge. Students are encouraged to write their own design briefs by exploring real-life needs, their own interests and other influences to develop, test and evaluate their design outcomes. In June of Year 10 the exam board provides broad contexts for students to base their Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) projects on, encouraging creativity and personal interpretation. Recent projects have included silver jewellery, lighting and electronics, tailoring, educational toys, and seating and storage solutions. Exam moderators consistently praise the wide variety of individual projects, as well as the high quality and precision of the students’ craftsmanship.

The Curriculum: Key Stage 5

Exam Board AQA

A Level Product Design

Fashion and Textiles

A Level Product Design

In Year 12, Product Design students build a portfolio of skills through a variety of projects focusing on design, modelling, and manufacturing. Theory is taught in separate lessons as well as integrated into practical sessions, with access to both traditional techniques and modern CAD technology. Students write their own briefs and explore real-world design challenges. The course is enriched by a range of trips and visits from practicing designers and ex-students across various design disciplines. Exam moderators consistently praise the wide variety of individual projects, as well as the high quality and precision of the students’ craftsmanship.

In Year 13, students write their own design briefs and focus on self-initiated NEA projects. They are encouraged to bring in their personal interests and career aspirations to influence their major projects, supporting university applications in both design and non-design fields. For example, some students applying for dentistry have designed and made pharmaceutical dispensing devices. Through these projects, students develop and test prototypes to industry standards, preparing them for careers in design, architecture, engineering, and beyond.

Assessment: Product Design 

Component 1: Technical Principles

Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes – 30% of A Level.

Component 2: Designing and Making Principles

Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 20% of A Level

Component 3: Non-Exam Assessment

Design and Make Project: 45 hours – 50% of A Level

 

Career Pathways

Students embark on a variety of career pathways and we have recently seen them moving on to study:

• Product Design
• Design Engineering
• Art Foundation
• Mechanical engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture
• Advertising and marketing
• Graphics and illustration
• Furniture design
• Interior design and Interior architecture 
• Urban planning
• Game Design

Destinations for Further Education have recently included:

Nottingham Trent University / Manchester University / Central St Martins / Camberwell School of Art / Chelsea School of Art / Glasgow University / Sheffied University /Ravensbourne College of Art and Design / Cardiff University School of Architecture / Exeter University / Brunel University / Reading University / Trinity College London / London College of Communication / Goldsmith College University of London / Falmouth University School of Art and Design / Kingston University

Students have also used the self-initiated design and make project to support specialist applications to a variety of further education pathways, including:

• Music at Trinity and Goldsmiths (Students have designed musical instruments; recording studios)
• Midwifery (Student designed a nursing lamp of new mothers)
• Psychology (A student designed a product specifically to support the needs of neurodiverse children)
• Biotechnology (Student designed a biosphere)

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular activities

All of our projects allow the students opportunities for extension and enrichment activities. Working in smaller groups at lunchtime, after-school and for extended sessions on Saturday’s, students have worked in: Silver-smithing; Wood turning; Flame enamelling; portfolio drawing skills; Digital design skills; CAD/CAM laser cutting and Centre lathe work;

In recent years students have attended the following educational visits and workshops:

• V&A – Thomas Heatherwick exhibition
• A1 - Architectural model makers;
• AHMM architects – Open studio, summer workshops;
• Maccreanor Lavington architects;
• Mace – A variety of workshops, visits and expert mentoring;
• Buhler Group - Manufacturing facilities visit;
• HS2 Engineer talk;
• Imakr - 3D printers;
• New Designer Exhibition;
• Park Communication – Lithographic printers and finishers;
• Design Museum - Product Analysis workshop;
• Science Museum – Plastic Fantastic exhibition and workshop;
• Arkwright woman in engineering competition awards ceremony;
• Young V&A;
• Unto this Last – Digital furniture design and manufacturing;
• Royal College of Art graduate show;
• Inspired by Design graduate showcase;
• Chelsea School of Art graduate show; and
• 100% Design Professional show case trade exhibition at Earls Court.

Fashion and Textiles A Level - Exam Board: AQA

In Year 12, Fashion & Textiles students build a portfolio of skills through projects focusing on designing and making garments and textile products. Theory is taught in separate lessons and alongside practical work. Students develop skills in processes such as pattern cutting, fabric manipulation, printing, embroidery, digital textiles, and CAD. They explore real-world design challenges and create personalised briefs.

The course includes visits from industry professionals and ex-students, providing insight into careers like fashion design, textile manufacturing, costume design, and sustainable textiles.

In Year 13, students write their own design briefs and focus on self-initiated NEA projects. They are encouraged to bring in personal interests and career goals to shape their projects, supporting a wide range of university applications. For example, students have designed sustainable collections or adaptive clothing for healthcare.

These projects prepare sttudents for careers in fashion, textiles, costume design, and related creative industries.

Assessment: AQA Fashion and Textiles

Component 1: Technical Principles

Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes – 30% of A Level.

Component 2: Designing and Making Principles

Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 20% of A Level

Component 3: Non-Exam Assessment

Design and Make Project: 45 hours – 50% of A Level

Career Pathways

Students embark on a variety of career pathways and we have recently seen them moving on to study:

• Art Foundation
• Stage and costume design
• Fashion and textiles design
• Fashion and promotion journalism
• Advertising and marketing
• Fashion illustration
• Textile technologist
• Surface pattern designer
• Textile production manager

Destinations for Further Education have recently included:

Nottingham Trent University / Manchester University / Central St Martins / Camberwell School of Art / Chelsea School of Art / Ravensbourne College of Art and Design / London College of Fashion / Apprenticeship at Anderson and Sheppard – Savile Row Tailors

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular activities

All of our projects allow the students opportunities for extension and enrichment activities. Working in smaller groups at lunchtime, after-school and for extended sessions on Saturdays, students have worked in: Digital design; Pattern cutting and tailoring workshops; CAD/CAM laser cutting and Decorative finishing techniques

In recent years students have attended the following educational visits and workshops:

V&A – Hollywood Glamour and David Bowie retrospective;

Anderson and Sheppard – Savile Row Tailors;

Kensington Palace

New Designers

John Lobb - shoe and boot-makers;

Vauxhall City Farm – fibres and spinning and dyeing natural yarns workshop;

McCulloch and Wallace – haberdashers,

Barnett Lawson – haberdashers;

Royal College of Art graduate show and guided tour;

Inspired by Design graduate showcase;

Chelsea School of Art graduate show; and

100% Design Professional show case trade exhibition at Earls Court.

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular activities

All of our projects allow the students opportunities for extension and enrichment activities. Working in smaller groups at lunchtime, after-school and for extended sessions on Saturday’s, students have worked in:

In recent years students have attended the following educational visits and workshops: