Design & Technology

‘We try to solve very complicated problems without letting people know how complicated the problem was.’ – Jonathan Ive

Our curriculum has been developed to enable students to engage in a diverse range of activities that foster problem solving skills, knowledge and application of commercial manufacturing techniques and technical expertise. Design and Technology offers a rigorous blend of both technical and practical competence that has real world application and relevance to user’s needs, wants and values. Our curriculum looks to provide our students with the fundamental knowledge of materials and processes, and an understanding of how these can be applied in a variety of contexts. Through the study of a range of key concepts, the curriculum promotes the use of technical knowledge, designing, modelling, manufacturing, testing and evaluation, to produce outcomes that are suitable for a wide range of users.

Design and Technology lessons aim to build a repertoire of knowledge that can be applied to solve real world problems in a variety of different contexts and disciplines. Students are taught how to perform practical skills confidently and become critical thinkers, enabling them to model, prototype, test and evaluate outcomes successfully. By combining both technical and practical expertise, students are supported in becoming independent and self-assured learners with a skillset that is transferable into both post-16 and industry pathways.

Learning

Key Concepts

Problem	Solution	Research	Designing	Modelling
Manufacturing	Evaluating	Client	Context	User-centred
Materials	Analysis	Inspiration	Environment	Creativity
Components	2D	3D	C.A.D.	C.A.M.

Key Stage 3 Overview

All pupils are provided with a variety of real world and relevant problem solving tasks, and these are addressed through the four strands of Design and Technology: design, make, evaluate and technical knowledge. Pupils follow the principles of industry, using both iterative and non-iterative methods to develop fitting products suitable for their function.

Year 7

Pupils are introduced to the various disciplines of product engineering, and explore diverse methods of design, making and evaluating through real world brands and problems.

Personalised Faberge Jewellery Explore the versatility of metals to solve the problems surrounding oversaturation of indistinguishable products.	MAKE	Using both cold and heat treatment processes, along with specialist tools. Use a wide range of metals appropriate for their functions.
	EVALUATE	Evaluate/analyse the work of Faberge and understand the impact on society. Gain views from users to inform the next range of products.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand the properties of different metals and how these can be manipulated or blended to achieve functional products.

Grand Designs Sustainable Living Examine the responsibility designers have on society, and how they can fix the problems surrounding new homes and their environmental impact.	DESIGN	Identify and solve problems in homes and their negative impact on the environment, and reformulate responses in 2D plans and 3D drawings.
	EVALUATE	Investigate new and emerging technologies that drive sustainability, and understand the impact this has on individuals, society and environment.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand how the properties of materials have an impact on structures, function and environment.

Ikea Gadget Organiser Investigate how space can be optimised to declutter a workspace, and keep all belongings organised and tidy.	DESIGN	Develop specifications that can respond to the needs of a user, and use research to inform client needs.
	MAKE	Use traditional manufacturing methods accurately, and select materials according to their working properties.
	EVALUATE	Evaluate/analyse the work of Ikea and understand the impact on society. Test and evaluate against a specification to make justified criticisms.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand the properties of different woods and how these can be manipulated, blended or joined to achieve functional products.

National Trust Upcycled Planters Discover the pros and cons of using plastics, and how environmental issues surrounding plastics can be resolved through reusable garden decor.	DESIGN	Research and explore biomimicry to generate creative products.
	MAKE	Use plastic moulding processes accurately, along with specialist tools. Use a wide range of plastics based on their working properties.
	EVALUATE	Analyse the work of past and present designers, and understand the responsibilities of designers in society.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand the properties of different plastics and how these can be manipulated or blended to achieve functional products.

Etsy Novelty Bag Tag Novelty bag tag based on popular culture including cartoon characters, gaming or films.Create an eye-catching accessory for a bag using a variety of design skills, sewing techniques, materials and equipment.	DESIGN	Looking at the world of popular culture, develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches to meet a target market to appeal to children/teenagers.
	MAKE	Select from and use specialist tools and use a variety of hand embroidery skills and applique techniques precisely to create samples and produce a high quality product, combining materials including felt and aluminium.
	EVALUATE	Analyse existing products to support designing. Peer/self assessment to evaluate design work and quality of skills, sample and project work to generate high standard end results.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand the origins of natural fibres and different fabric construction techniques, their properties and uses, along with care labels and symbols. Understand properties of key materials for purpose and use of textiles specialist equipment.

Year 8

Pupils build on their learning from Year 7 and develop autonomy within the boundaries of the design studio, and face more challenging problems that require imaginative minds and the production of realistic outcomes.

Restaurant Table Decor Explore different cultures from around the world to aid in the modelling and manufacture of products that optimise the use of restaurant table space, and enhance the customer experience.	DESIGN	Research and explore different cultures to identify and understand client and user’s needs. Use a user-centred approach and 3D models to avoid stereotypical responses.
	MAKE	Use traditional and modern manufacturing methods accurately, and select from a range of complex materials including plastics, and composites according to their properties.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand the properties of different woods and materials, how these can be manipulated, blended or joined to achieve functioning solutions.

Senior Smartphone Identify the challenges faced by modern designers, and generate 3D digital concepts to overcome the obstacles surrounding mobile phone inaccessibility for the elderly.	DESIGN	Identify and solve problems associated with mobile phone usage based on targeted users, and reformulate these problems. Utilise a user-centred strategy to generate creative ideas and communicate these using 3D annotated sketches and digital presentations.
	EVALUATE	Investigate new and emerging technologies that drive ease of use, and understand the impact this has on individuals in society. Take into account views from intended users to inform product development.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand how the properties of materials have an impact on structures, function and user’s needs.

Selfridges Modern Product Engineers Discover the pioneers of product engineering including James Dyson, Dieter Rams, Zaha Hadid and Philippe Starck. Learn how to solve new problems, model solutions and present concepts as a design team.	DESIGN	Develop specifications that can respond to the needs of a user, and use research to inform client and user needs. Develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches in 2D and 3D, and use oral presentations to present concepts.
	MAKE	Use manufacturing processes accurately, along with specialist tools and equipment. Use a wide range of materials based on their working properties to achieve realisation models of concepts.
	EVALUATE	Analyse the work of past and present designers, and understand the responsibilities of designers in society. Use knowledge of new and emerging technologies to inform ideas, and use specification criteria to refine ideas.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand the properties of different modelling materials and how these can be manipulated or blended to achieve functional products.

National Grid Home Security Programmes Solve home security problems concerning systems, circuits and computer programs. Learn how to control a range of input and output devices to prepare household devices for home use.	DESIGN	Identify and solve design problems around the home and understand how to reformulate these problems.Use a user-centred approach, to generate creative ideas that meet the needs of users.
	MAKE	Select from and use a range of electronic components, devices and specialist tools to aid in the manufacture of solutions.
	EVALUATE	Use the views of intended users and other interested groups to inform outcomes, and understand about developments in design and technology, along with its impact on individuals and society.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Use powered electrical components and electronic systems in real life products that include light, sound and movement. Use computer programs and microcontrollers to embed intelligence into products that respond to various inputs and outputs.

Cadbury Sustainable Pencil Case Create a reusable product using packaging that would otherwise end up in landfill which links to Cadburys’ ongoing commitment to sustainability.	DESIGN	Identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them. Develop specifications to inform the design of an innovative, functional and appealing product that respond to the needs of the user. Research methods to enable plastic packaging to be used in a textile product.
	MAKE	Select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components, taking into account their properties and specialist machinery including the sewing machine and the heat press to develop and create a pencil case.
	EVALUATE	Analyse tf recycled product to develop and broaden their understanding of the pencil case, understanding developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers. Investigate new and emerging technologies.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Introduction to synthetic fibres, their properties and uses. Sustainable considerations are discussed and proposed. Understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions including lamination..

Year 9

Pupils are encouraged to apply their learning from Year 7 and 8 to new real world contexts, and tackle problems that require the use of new technologies and processes to produce sophisticated outcomes that are successful.

Lush Bathroom Accessories Solve the issues surrounding unhygienic bathroom accessories and plastic pollution. Discover how computer generated concepts can be blended with 3D printing to manufacture functioning prototypes.	DESIGN	Develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches in 3D, and use creative approaches to generate creative ideas.
	MAKE	Use computer aided manufacture to accurately manufacture prototypes, and use complex materials with the use of C.A.M.
	EVALUATE	Test, evaluate and refine 3D concepts after taking into account views of intended users, and specification criteria. Investigate new and emerging technologies, and how these can be used as a responsible technologist.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand and use the properties of plastics and boards, and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning prototypes.

Next Home Desk Lamp Consider how the manufacture of lighting solutions can benefit a specific user, and how to reverse engineer past products to inform the next generation of design.	DESIGN	Use research and exploration to identify and understand user needs, and understand how to reformulate problems.
	MAKE	Use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machineryprecisely to manufacture working products. Select from and use a range of materials and components including metals, plastics, wood, composites and standard components.
	EVALUATE	Use your solutions to test, evaluate and refine products against a specification, and take into account the views of intended users.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions.

Google Innovate Use iterative design and modelling methods to assist Google in broadening its product range. Use 2D planning and 3D modelling to develop innovative concepts for Google’s new handheld or wearable technology.	DESIGN	Make use of a variety of approaches such as user-centred design to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses. Develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches in 2D, and use oral presentations to present concepts.
	MAKE	Use specialist tools, techniques, processes and equipment to produce realisation models. Select from and use a range of materials including boards, papers, plastics and foams. Select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials taking into account their properties.
	EVALUATE	Analyse the work of past and present professionals to develop and broaden understanding. Understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals and society. Use your solutions to test, evaluate and refine products, and take into account the views of intended users.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions.

JCB Systems

Explore the different mechanical systems that are utilised by JCB in the manufacture of their excavators, access platforms and loaders.

MAKE

Use a wide range of materials appropriate for their functions, taking into account their properties.

EVALUATE

Analyse the work of present professionals to develop and broaden their understanding of the construction and manufacturing industry. Investigate new and emerging technologies related to hydraulics, motor systems and gears.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

Understand how advanced mechanical systems can be used in products to enable changes in movement and force.

H&M 90’s Style Bucket Hat ‘Let’s make fashion sustainable and sustainability fashionable’. (H&M) Using upcycled materials to create a suitable product for the highstreet chain.	DESIGN	Researching current products on the market from various price points. Use research and exploration into current fashion trends, and the study of sustainable fashion linking to designers through iterative processes to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses.
	MAKE	Select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, and components taking into account their properties. Use different techniques, machinery and equipment to create a product to meet the brief. These include tie dye, upcycling, machine embroidery, overlocking, silk gutta and sublimation printing.
	EVALUATE	Test, evaluate and refine ideas to consider applications of a variety of techniques.
	TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE	Introduction to technical knowledge of modern and smart materials. Apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes for a wide range of users.

Key Stage 4 Overview

The KS4 curriculum provides students with opportunities to build on their learning experiences gained during Key Stage 3.

Engineering

Our Engineering curriculum is centred around offering a variety of learning experiences based on applied learning linking to the characteristics of real life work and industry. The wide variety of modules chosen, allow pupils to develop the ability to solve problems whilst acquiring and applying knowledge in authentic work related learning.

Engineering lessons provide a balance of both theory and practical situations with a drive towards pupils becoming independent learners who have the capacity to acquire, develop and consolidate a plethora of skills that reflect life in industry. The development of skills include learning how to draw creative ideas using traditional and modern techniques, and the making of everyday products through the interpretation and analysis of working drawings.

Design and Technology (Graphics/Textiles)

Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to offer a unique opportunity for students to design and make products or systems that identify and solve real world problems. In a fast paced learning environment students are able to critique the work of other designers and products that will enable them to develop expert skills in critiquing and refining their own ideas whilst designing and making new and innovative products. Our curriculum focuses on environmental and economical factors and is inspired by wider social and cultural influences so that students can be successful in a rapidly developing technological world.

Design and Technology lessons offer students the opportunity to follow an iterative design process that builds on creativity, problem solving, modelling and practical skills as well as learning about the processes and materials used in industry. Students respond to a context to develop creative solutions in both 2D and 3D that use imagination and experimentation and avoid clichéd or stereotypical responses.

Read like a Designer and Technologist

Creating great design is all about telling a story and bringing things to life. Each step in the design and manufacturing process is no different. It is listening to the story of others, gathering data and translating this knowledge into functional design.

Reading in Design and Technology allows pupils to build a narrative around their user and client, and helps them to walk in their shoes and understand where they are coming from. It enables pupils to discover new materials and technologies, successfully analyse gathered information and present technical knowledge using both written and visual language.

By providing opportunities for pupils to read in Design and Technology, they gain knowledge that can help them to become better at creating designs, solving problems, communicating ideas and developing their skills. In addition to finding fun in books, readers in Design and Technology build knowledge.

Click here to view the suggested reads poster.
Please note: the images of the book covers are clickable hyperlinks to the book.

Career Prospects

Choosing a Design and Technology subject opens the door to lots of exciting careers; from Market researcher to Architect, all the way to Aerospace engineer. Below are some of the pathways and jobs that are available with a qualification in a Design and Technology subject:

ART AND DESIGN – Graphic Designer, Sculptor, Gallery Curator, Photographer, Advertising,
IT AND THE INTERNET – Games Developer, Software Programmer, Network Engineer, Web Designer, Animator
CONSUMER GOODS – Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Market Researcher, Interior Designer, Jewellery Designer
FASHION AND TEXTILES – Fashion Designer, Costume Maker, Garment Technologist, Surface Textiles, Fabric Technologist, Interior Designer, Stylist
CONSTRUCTION – Tradesperson, Architect, Construction Manager
MANUFACTURING – Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Manager, Aerospace Engineer, Civil/structural Engineer, Textiles Designer
SCIENCE – Biomedical engineer, Chemical Engineer, Electrical/electronic engineer, Environmental engineer

Home learning

Learning beyond the classroom will involve…

Independent research into various D&T based themes (such as biomimicry and cultures), generating creative and technical drawings, capturing photographs and completing knowledge based quizzes and activities.

Enrichment and other extracurricular activities

A wide range of Design and Technology related enrichment options are available, including:

Lunchtime clubs
After school clubs
Trips relevant to the discipline (New Designers Trip to London and Manchester)
Guest speakers from industry

Contact

Director of Design Technology
Mr R Patel
r.patel@sharplesschool.co.uk

Subjects