Design Technology

Learn about what is involved in studying Design Technology at KS3, KS4 and KS5.

The Design and Technology Department at HGS consists of two main subject areas:

  • Design and Technology – (including Electronics, Graphic Design, Product Design and Resistant Materials)
  • Food Preparation and Nutrition.

Our aim is to provide a rich and diverse experience of each subject that engages and challenges student creativity and technical understanding in a wide range of material areas. We are lucky to have an exceptionally wide range of resources that enable students to push their imaginations and produce extremely high quality products.

Key Stage 3

We operate a carousel rotation system in KS3 Design and Technology with students completing a range of projects with specialist teaching staff in subject-specific rooms. The order of projects will vary depending on staffing/student groups. Students learn a range of skills and practical processes linked to a variety of material specialisms. A degree of flexibility within each project enables independent enquiry and personalisation of learning.

Key Stage 4

Design and Technology is a popular choice at KS4, with students given the opportunity to study:

  • GCSE Design and Technology – Graphics
  • GCSE Design and Technology – Resistant Materials
  • GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

Each of our subject specialisms build upon what students have learned during Key Stage 3, with students developing their knowledge and understanding of materials and manufacturing techniques to a more advanced level.

GCSE Design and Technology – Graphics or Resistant Materials

In GCSE Design and Technology, students complete a range of mini projects that focus on developing their sketching and presentation techniques, 3D modelling techniques, and rapid prototyping using CAD/CAM. Students then complete a major project in their chosen subject area of either Graphics or Resistant Materials. As students follow the same OCR GCSE specification, there are no limitations to the materials or processes they can use, with students free to follow their strengths to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why study Design and Technology?

  • The course lays the foundation for further study in the design/engineering/creative industries.
  • Students will use develop a thorough awareness of industry standard software such as the Adobe Creative suite (Illustrator/Photoshop) and Solidworks.
  • Students will have the opportunity to undertake a wide range of practical skills that develop and refine manual dexterity, skills frequently required in the dental and medical industries.
  • The course develops the ability to think creatively and produce innovative concepts that solve real world problems.

What will it be like?

GCSE Design and Technology – Resistant Materials

In Year 10, Resistant Materials focuses on developing the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to complete GCSE coursework successfully.

Students will start Year 10 by completing mini design projects that may include:

  • Promotional thermometer
  • Arduino programmable control
  • Buggy project
  • Solidworks CAD modelling
  • Timber-based project
  • Polymer-based project

Year 11 is concerned with completing coursework (50% of the final GCSE) that includes a design portfolio and a manufactured item. The remainder of the year is spent preparing for the exam (50% of the GCSE).

Project work can be undertaken within a variety of areas, including:

  • Engineering project
  • Wildlife project
  • Sustainability project
  • Educational toys

GCSE Design and Technology – Graphics

In Year 10, Graphics focuses on developing theoretical knowledge and understanding of graphics whilst learning and refining the skills needed to complete GCSE coursework successfully.

Students will start Year 10 by completing mini design projects that may include:

  • Promotional thermometer
  • Arduino programmable control
  • Buggy project
  • Solidworks CAD modelling
  • Packaging design
  • Paper engineering and pop-up mechanisms

In Year 11, all students will complete a major project as part of controlled assessment that is worth 50% of the final GCSE grade. The project will require students to follow an iterative design process in order to produce a final concept prototype in response to the design challenge. As part of their projects, students will be required to:

  • Conduct research using appropriate sources of knowledge including product analysis
  • Generate and develop appropriate design ideas
  • Evaluate the success of their design against consumers’ needs.

Project work can be undertaken in a variety of areas, including:

  • Promotional merchandise
  • Packaging design
  • Design for public spaces
  • Meeting the needs of the elderly.

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

In GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition, students will complete a wide range of practical-based investigations to explore and develop their knowledge and understanding of food ingredients and their properties. Teaching and learning focuses on developing practical cooking skills that give students a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. Students follow the AQA GCSE specification which builds upon the knowledge and understanding gained at KS3.

Why study Food Preparation and Nutrition?

 The course lays the foundation for further study in the food/food science/catering industries. Students will develop their scientific understanding of nutrition and food ingredients, and have the opportunity to develop a wide range of practical cooking skills. The course develops the ability to think creatively to produce innovative food products through focused investigations.

What will it be like?

In Year 10, Food Preparation and Nutrition develops the practical skills and theoretical knowledge and understanding needed to complete GCSE coursework successfully.

Students will focus on the five key areas of content outlined in the AQA GCSE specification:

  • Food, nutrition and health
  • Food science
  • Food safety
  • Food choice
  • Food provenance.

The range of food and ingredients studied will reflect the recommended guidelines for a healthy diet based on the main food commodity groups:

  • Bread, cereals, flour, oats, rice, potatoes and pasta
  • Fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, canned and juiced)
  • Milk, cheese and yoghurt
  • Meat, fish, eggs, soya, tofu, beans, nuts and seeds
  • Butter, oil, margarine, sugar and syrup.

Assessment is in the form of a written paper (50%) and two controlled assessment tasks (50%). The coursework involves a food investigation (15%) where students write a report on their understanding of the scientific principles that underpin the preparation and cooking of food. Task 2 is a food preparation assessment (35%). Students plan, prepare, cook and present a three-course menu within three hours.

Key Stage 5 Design and Technology – Product Design

Students can further expand and develop their expertise in Design and Technology at Key Stage 5 by studying A level Design and Technology – Product Design.

The A level Product Design course provides students with a thorough understanding of current design theory and practice, developing the skills needed to design and develop innovative and usable products. An element of flexibility within each project enables students to specialise in their areas of interest (i.e. Graphics or Resistant Materials), with previous projects including a wind tunnel for aeronautical engineering and medical equipment design.

Why study Product Design?

Product Design is a stimulating subject that challenges students to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding of design and engineering to generate creative and innovative ideas and concepts. Many of our students also choose to study A level Mathematics and Physics, with the intention of pursuing a career in the expanding STEM industries. Potential career opportunities include:

  • Product Design
  • Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Graphic design
  • Manufacturing
  • Advertising/marketing
  • Brand identity
  • Planning
  • Civil and structural design/engineering

What will it be like?

In Year 12, students complete a range of focused practical tasks and extended learning projects that develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to maximize their success in Year 13.

Students start the year by completing a furniture project based on the Allermuir furniture company. This project challenges students to design and model a range of products, whilst developing their knowledge and understanding of natural timber and man-made boards. Students then complete a number of smaller mini projects that develop their practical skills and ability whilst broadening their subject knowledge of materials and industrial manufacturing techniques.

Following this, students complete a lighting project that solves a specific design problem in response to the design brief. This project allows students to investigate and develop a lighting product for any application.

In Year 13, students design and develop a marketable product of their choice in response to a specific design problem. Students are free to specialise in their specific area of interest or expertise (i.e. Engineering, Graphics and Resistant Materials). Previous projects have included a scale wind tunnel, a wakeboarding training aid and a dental sanitisation machine.

As part of the major project, students complete an e-portfolio design folder that evidences a single, substantial designing and making activity in association with a final concept model.

At the end of Year 13, students sit a final exam that consists of two components: Principles of Product Design and Problem Solving in Product Design. In both exams, students answer questions that address the technical principles covered during the course.

Key Stage 5 Course Information – Design Technology