Technology

Design and technology is a creative and exciting subject.

Students solve real life and relevant problems within a variety of different contexts. They consider their own and others’ needs, wants and values – meet the teachers.

Students draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering and art but apply them to a technology context. They learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful and logical problem solvers.

KS3 – Y7-9 follow a rotation system throughout each academic year. Students gain a broad and varied experience of the subject and study the following areas: Design technology, computer science and food and nutrition.

KS4 – At GCSE, students can opt for; food and nutrition, computer science or design and technology. All qualifications are AQA.

KS5 – The department offers product design or computer science at A-level. Both courses draw on prior learning but allow students to have a more independent approach to their projects and learning. More information can be found here:

Curriculum Map - Technology

Discipline Overview

Design Technology

At KS3 encourages students to develop their 2D and 3D communication skills. They are taught how to draw in isometric, oblique and use computer aided design and computer aided manufacture. They are challenged to think of the entire design process and encouraged to approach each project in an iterative fashion, like an experienced product designer would. Students are also given the opportunity to complete a wide range of practical tasks. They learn about woods, metals and plastics and are able to start to apply this knowledge to each design challenge presented. Students are taught how to use a large variety of workshop equipment and lessons are taught in an engaging and practical way. Students can then further apply and expand their knowledge at GCSE. 

Product Design

At KS3 encourages students to develop their 2D and 3D communication skills. They are taught how to draw in isometric, oblique and use computer aided design and computer aided manufacture. They are challenged to think of the entire design process and encouraged to approach each project in an iterative fashion, like an experienced product designer would. Students are also given the opportunity to build their practical skills in the workshop by making full size, scale models and architectural models. Product design is available as a GCSE and A-level option for any pupil who wants to explore the subject further. 

Food and Nutrition

At KS3 students learn about Food Nutrition, Provenance, Safety, Choice and Science. Students will complete a cooking practical based on what they will have learnt in the previous lesson/lessons. This then continues in GCSE where the students cover the same topics at a higher level/standard and complete more complex dishes practically where possible. 

Computer Science

Taught in Year 7-9 where students learn to program using the Python programming language. Students also cover a wide range of other topics including computational thinking, data representation, Boolean logic, Binary arithmetic and hardware architecture.

In GCSE, students studies include Python programming, fundamentals of algorithms, data representation, computer systems, computer networks, cyber security, law, ethics and relational databases.

At A Level, students further enhance their programming skills and learn about object-oriented programming, leading onto the development of a project of their choice. Other topics include data structures, problem solving, theory of computation, databases, data representation and big data. 

A Level students act as mentors to GCSE students and there is a coding club available to students at all ages.