Design and Technology/3D Design is a practical and valuable subject covering a wide range of activities in order to develop products using a broad range of materials.
At its core is creativity and imagination. It teaches students how to actively take risks, demonstrate persistence and become more resourceful, innovative and independent learners.
Students acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. They develop a range of skills using traditional making methods, industrial processes and more modern manufacturing techniques to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs.
Through the evaluation of existing products and materials, they develop a critical understanding of the impact manufacturing has on their daily lives in an ever-changing world.
Developing Our Learners
The Design curriculum aims to:
Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
Promote creativity and transferable skills such as problem solving, teamwork and time management.
Develop an appreciation and understanding of the technology and design of the ever-changing world in which they live.
Structure And Sequence
Our Curriculum follows the ADME (Analyse, Design, Make, Evaluate) model of the design process, it is at the heart of what we do. Through KS3 to KS5 the students undertake design and make projects that develop in complexity and challenge. As the students progress through their learning journey the expectation is that learners become more independent and have more creative freedom, demonstrating their knowledge and understanding by making informed decisions.
Destinations And The World Of Work
Our curriculum ensures learners are ready for the next steps, whether that is studying a design-based subject at university or going into the world of work. Students are taught transferable skills and how to be creative problem solvers. Our extra-curriculum provision includes a KS3 DT club allowing students to gain confidence across a series of mini ‘design and make’ challenges.
In KS4, we have the GreenPower Race team where students can develop, maintain and race the Academy Formula 24 car.
In KS5 there are trips to the University of Brighton and also Bowers and Wilkins, where the students get the chance to see world leading audio equipment being manufactured, and talk to professionals about their work. We also work alongside and support the Gold Crest Award which helps students realise their engineering project set by their Ricardo Mentors.
