Year 7 – 9
Design & Technology
Key Stage: KS3
Innovation starts with imagination. Design & Technology challenges students to think like creators, engineers, and problem-solvers – developing the skills and confidence to shape the world around them.
Through a dynamic and progressively challenging curriculum, students build creativity, technical proficiency and critical-thinking skills that empower them to solve real-world problems and thrive in design, engineering, architecture and other innovation-led industries.
Our curriculum encourages learners to embrace challenge, learn from setbacks and refine their ideas with perseverance, curiosity and self-belief.
While many go on to creative or technical careers, the transferable skills gained through Design & Technology – resilience, analytical thinking, communication and adaptability- are invaluable in any field.
We aim to equip every learner with the knowledge, confidence and practical capability to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape, whether through further study, apprenticeships or employment.
At the heart of the subject is a commitment to nurturing thoughtful, capable individuals who understand how design impacts the world — and their role in shaping its future.
Year-by-Year Curriculum
Year 7
Students begin with essential health and safety training and an introduction to professional tools, materials and terminology. They explore design processes, the importance of accuracy, and how to evaluate the quality of their work.
Modules include:
- Timber – Ping Pong Paddle (Modules 1 & 2)
- Textiles – Inclusive Toy (Modules 3 & 4)
- CAD & CAM – Ruler (Modules 5 & 6)
Lessons emphasise precision, safe working and quality control, laying the foundation for confident design and making.
Year 8
Building on core skills, students take on increasingly independent projects that integrate electronics, sustainability and architectural design. They are encouraged to experiment, problem-solve and develop a deeper understanding of how materials and technologies can be combined creatively.
Modules include:
- Maze Game (Modules 1 & 2)
- Sustainable Architecture (Modules 3 & 4)
- STEM E-Textiles (Modules 5 & 6)
Students deepen their understanding of structure, function and aesthetics, developing accuracy and resilience in the workshop.
Year 9
Students advance their technical and design thinking through project-based work that introduces core GCSE Design & Technology concepts. They explore sustainability, environmental responsibility and CAD integration alongside practical making skills.
Modules include:
- Metal Pendant (Modules 1 & 2)
- Polymers – Phone Holder (Modules 3 & 4)
- Timber – Clock (Modules 5 & 6)
This final year ensures every student is ready for GCSE study, confident in applying literacy, numeracy and problem-solving to real-world contexts.
Skills Gained
- Creativity and critical thinking
- Problem-solving and iterative design
- Safe and accurate workshop practice
- Teamwork and communication
- Evaluation and reflection
These abilities help students become adaptable, forward-thinking individuals ready to innovate in any setting.
Partnerships & Enrichment
Students benefit from rich external experiences and professional insight through partnerships with:
- Kensington Palace
- The Design Museum
- Imperial College Makerspace and Reach Out Makerspace
- Arkwright Scholarship Programme
These collaborations bring learning to life, connecting classroom creativity with real-world innovation and design excellence.
Potential Careers
Design & Technology opens doors to a wide range of creative and technical fields, including:
Product and Industrial Design | Architecture and Engineering | Fashion and Textiles | Graphic and Interior Design | Manufacturing and Sustainability Innovation
The skills gained are equally valued in entrepreneurship, project management and technology-driven industries.
