Design and Technology

Design and Technology Subject Overview

Our vision:

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

We see our key objectives as:

  • Developing the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
  • Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
  • Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.

As a department, we believe that Design and Technology is important to a student’s programme of study for a number of reasons:

  • Design and Technology teaches us lessons about how technology has developed over time and can be used to address current and future issues such as climate change and working towards net zero.
  • Design and Technology develops a rich knowledge and understanding of technology.
  • Design and Technology teaches us valuable skills; being critical, building arguments, evaluating evidence, how to communicate and problem solve, as well as build and appreciate a variety of materials.

Curriculum Journey D and T

Exam board: AQA GCSE Design and Technology

Name and email address of key post-holder:

A Hamilton          Teacher                hamiltona@wes.swecet.org