Design & Technology Curriculum
“In a world which is so oversupplied, one way to succeed and stand out is to have a creative and lateral way of thinking about things. Creativity makes businesses, careers and futures for people, and this is why subjects like Design and Technology are so important.” – Sir Paul Smith
Rationale:
Design and Technology is a core subject within the National Curriculum, taught in specialist areas including Cooking and Nutrition, Resistant Materials, and Textiles. Our curriculum builds on the skills and knowledge pupils have gained in KS2.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology has the power to transform society and the way we live. Through Design and Technology, pupils learn to design and create products that address real-world problems, taking into account the needs, values, and desires of themselves and others. The subject encourages risk-taking and fosters resourcefulness, creativity, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
Pupils gain a broad understanding of the subject, drawing on related fields such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing, and art. By studying past and present design and technology, they develop a critical awareness of its impact on everyday life and the wider world.
At St. Patrick’s, pupils learn to think like food technologists by developing a wide range of practical cooking skills focused mainly on savoury dishes that are healthy, nutritious, and ethically made.
Similarly, pupils think like technologists by embracing opportunities to generate ideas and work like designers, learning through hands-on experience how to design and manufacture their own products.
Implementation:
At KS3, Pupils develop practical skills in Textiles and Resistant Materials through designing, developing, and making a variety of products. They learn to consider wider influences on design, including historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic factors.
Creativity is encouraged throughout the design and making process, with pupils applying both technical knowledge and practical skills. Core skills such as research, design, modelling, planning, making, and evaluation are taught to ensure projects are completed to a high standard.
In Cooking and Nutrition, pupils learn essential cooking techniques alongside the principles of nutrition and healthy eating.
At key stage 4, we offer the following courses:
AQA syllabus for GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
AQA GCSE Art and Design Textiles design
WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Engineering
Key stage 4 content is delivered as discrete topics that build on prior knowledge gained at previous key stages and topics previously covered at GCSE.
What enrichment opportunities do we offer in Design and Technology?:
We offer a variety of enrichment opportunities to support and extend pupils’ learning in Design and Technology:
DT Craft Club: Open to Key Stage 3 pupils, this club provides extra time to develop practical skills using a range of materials.
KS4 DT Workspaces: Our three Design Technology classrooms are available during lunchtime for Key Stage 4 pupils to catch up on or enhance their coursework.
Trips and Visits: Throughout the year, pupils have the chance to participate in educational trips, such as visits to the Northern School of Art for GCSE Textiles pupils, or tours of companies like Caterpillar and Nissan for Key Stage 4 Engineering pupils.
How can the study of Design and Technology support pupils beyond school?:
In Engineering, pupils develop valuable skills like communication, critical thinking, independent learning, research, responsibility, and time management—qualities sought by employers and colleges.
Career options: Aerospace Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and more.
In Textiles, pupils gain practical skills such as stitching, appliqué, printing, and construction methods.
Career options: Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Illustrator, Pattern Maker, and others.
In Food Preparation and Nutrition, pupils build practical cooking skills, understand the science of food and nutrition, and learn to design and evaluate recipes.
Career options: Chef, Baker, Food Scientist, Dietitian, Food Blogger, and more
