Design Technology & Food

The Design & Technology (D&T) department aims to create learners who are autonomous, well informed consumers of the world around them. To have the confidence, knowledge and ability to intervene in the man-made and natural world and to find solutions to problems that occur in both. D&T utilises design thinking approaches in order to provide empathy with people and derive innovative solutions to real world problems.

Food Preparation & Nutrition (FP&N) aims to develop knowledge of food science; skills in cooking and presentation; and a healthy interest in nutrition. Through practical learning, students investigate the function of ingredients whilst developing key life skills in the kitchen. 

Key stage 3 (years 7, 8 & 9)

D&T & Food Preparation are taught on a rotation system across Key Stage 3, in mixed ability classes. Lessons vary from research, designing, practical workshop and cooking lessons. Our schemes of work focus on real world problems and encourage practical solutions across both subjects. 

Our approach to assessment is to provide students with ample opportunities to reflect on their work. Formative feedback features in all lessons. Summative assessment occurs at the end of topic areas across a range of assessment criteria. 

Prep is set once per week and can consolidate learning from the lesson, prep for future lessons or develop as project work across the topic area.

Curriculum Maps

Key stage 4 (years 10 & 11)

Students opting for GCSE Design & Technology will study the AQA (8552) specification. This is split into two modules - Non Examined Assessment (NEA) and Exam both worth 50%. Students are monitored and assessed throughout Year 10 and will study a range of topics in order to support both the NEA and Exam which is assessed at the end of Year 11. 

Students opting for Food Preparation & Nutrition will study the AQA (8585) specification. This is split into 2 modules - Non-Examined Assessment and the External examination. The NEA is taught through 2 externally set tasks; 1 food science investigation and 1 food and nutrition set task. 

Assessment in both subjects occurs continuously through lessons and prep. More formal summative assessment and feedback takes place at the end of topic areas and projects. GCSE Assessment Objectives are used to assess the students against the NEA criteria. 

Key stage 5 (years 12 & 13)

A-Level Design & Technology (Product Design) is an exciting course that builds well upon GCSE D&T. Students develop their design thinking skills as well as their ability to ideate and prototype solutions for real world problems. The course is delivered through a variety of topic areas and can vary from year to year to reflect the world around us. Students should expect to engage with product disassembly; new technologies such as 3D printing; prototyping and making tasks as well as Design & Make NEA tasks. 

A Level Product Design students maintain a constant dialogue with staff in the department and feedback features in all lessons. Summative assessments, at the end of topic areas and projects, allow students to understand how they are progressing against the A-Level Assessment Objectives and NEA criteria.