Our curriculum emphasises sustainability, environmental issues, and being a critical consumer. Students experience working with wood, metal and plastics. They learn graphic techniques and CAD to make them creative and independent in their ideas.

Our Design and Technology GCSE allows students to identify and solve real problems through the design process and the production of high-quality, imaginative and functional products that demonstrate creativity and avoid traditional responses. They are encouraged to work creatively and, through the course, will develop several core skills, including practical skills, planning and decision making. Students will also develop a strong understanding of theoretical aspects related to design and manufacture. Studying Product Design, we support and encourage students to be ambitious and take creative design risks which promotes the development of design proposals that avoid obvious responses to solving design problems. Design technology GCSE is equally suitable as a vocational course and an avenue for transferable, creative and analytical skills.

The course is divided into two main components:

• Non-exam assessment (NEA): 30–35 hours approx. Students are given a choice of themes by the exam board and must design and manufacture a response to this. This coursework project makes up 50% of the qualification and is undertaken between June of year 10 and March of year 11.

• A 2-hour written exam sat in June of year 11. This makes up the other 50% of the GCSE. The paper is a mixture of multiple choice, short answer questions assessing a breadth of technical knowledge and understanding.

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A Level Design Technology requires students to engage in practical and theoretical study. Students investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic influences on Design and Technology, while enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing products of their choice.  

The curriculum equips our pupils with the skills to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of a design through to a prototype/product. Students engage in learning activities to develop their knowledge and understanding of materials, components, and processes associated with creating products.  

Component 1:
Paper 1. Technical principles: Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes.  
30% of A-level.

Paper 2. Designing and making principles: Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
20% of A-level  

Component 2:
Non-exam assessment (NEA): Substantial design and make project: approximately 80 hours 50% of qualification

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