Design and Technology

Intent

Design and Technology aims to develop independent, logical, and creative learners who embrace challenges and push the boundaries of innovation. Through invigorating, high-quality learning experiences, students gain the confidence and capability to design and make purposeful products.

Our curriculum includes four key areas: Food Preparation and Nutrition, Resistant Materials, Graphics, and Textiles. We strive to deliver engaging and relevant lessons that motivate students to think imaginatively, solve real-world problems, and acquire valuable skills to progress into further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

Students develop both practical and academic competencies through a diverse range of challenges from graphical communication to soldering circuits and preparing nutritious meals. All learning is underpinned by our school’s core values of hard work, respect, responsibility, empathy, and community.

Implementation

Students are introduced to each of the four key areas through a carousel model in Years 7 and 8. This rotational structure allows students to experience a broad foundation of skills and knowledge, with each project lasting approximately nine weeks. During these rotations, students complete practical projects and take home their outcomes, fostering a sense of pride and achievement.

The four specialist areas include:

Resistant Materials: Focuses on timber, metal, and plastic manipulation while encouraging innovative and creative design thinking.
Textiles: Equips students with practical skills such as sewing, appliqué, and various fabric printing techniques.
Graphics: Teaches students how to communicate visually through hand and digital drawing, including Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and manufacturing processes.
Food Preparation and Nutrition: Builds students’ confidence in preparing, cooking, and presenting food while promoting a healthy and balanced diet.

In Year 9, students choose a specialist area for continued study. These options align with either the BTEC Tech Awards or OCR Food Preparation and Nutrition, laying the foundation for deeper subject knowledge and skill development at KS4.

Impact

Our Design and Technology curriculum aims to equip students with a wide-ranging skillset that extends beyond practical ability. Students learn to apply their knowledge of new and emerging technologies and explore the roles and responsibilities of designers, engineers, technologists, and chefs in today’s society.

Through this subject, students become critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers—confident in both individual and collaborative settings. They learn to evaluate past and present innovations, assess their environmental and social impact, and understand how design influences the world we live in.

We also provide opportunities for students to engage with professionals in the design industry, helping them to contextualize their learning and broaden their career aspirations.

Ultimately, our goal is for every student to leave D&T as a confident, responsible, and articulate young person, well-prepared for life in modern Britain and the global community.

The Beaconsfield School A specialist Arts College

Design and Technology

PLCs

Curriculum Maps