“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.” ~Romans 12:6
The Design and Technology department strives to fulfil our school mission by providing an ambitious knowledge rich curriculum which has Catholic education at its heart. Our curriculum has been designed to allow our students to flourish into the best version of themselves. Whilst our subject specialist teachers impart their knowledge through the love of their subject.
The Design and Technology curriculum is cantered on delivering creative and exciting learning experiences for students, which help them seek out their talents and provide them with the creativity and imagination needed to make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts.
Our Food Technology curriculum is designed to equip students with essential life skills, foster a love of cooking, and develop a deep understanding of food, nutrition, and health. We deliver a rich, ambitious, and practical curriculum that inspires all learners to become confident, independent, and responsible in their approach to food preparation and dietary choices.
Students will develop a wide range of practical food preparation and cooking techniques, including key skills such as chopping, slicing, grating, peeling, mixing, frying, boiling, baking and the safe and effective use of ovens and hobs. They will become familiar with using a variety of kitchen tools and specialist equipment safely and hygienically, building their confidence and competence in a real kitchen environment.
Throughout the curriculum, learners will explore the principles of healthy eating and nutrition to gain a strong understanding of the Eatwell Guide. They will consider dietary needs for different individuals and cultures, as well as the impact of food choices on health and wellbeing. Students will be encouraged to plan, prepare, and evaluate dishes that are balanced, nutritious, and suitable for a range of dietary requirements and preferences.
Our knowledge-rich approach ensures that students not only learn how to cook but also understand the science behind food, food provenance, seasonality, sustainability, and the environmental impact of food production. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build on prior learning from Key Stage 2 and prepare students for GCSE and beyond.
Students at KS3 work on a rotation and spend a term in each of the following subjects: Textiles, Food and Product Design.
Rotation one: September to December
Rotation two: January to April
Rotation three: April to July
Topic: Health and safety in food, Eatwell Guide and function of ingredients.
In Year 7 Food Technology, students learn the basics of cooking, healthy eating, and kitchen safety. They are introduced to the Eatwell Guide and the importance of a balanced diet, as well as how different ingredients work in recipes. Students develop practical skills such as chopping, grating, frying, boiling, and using the cooker safely. They will make a range of dishes including potato wedges with BBQ sauce, quesadilla, tomato and vegetable pasta, pizza toast, and mini carrot muffins. The focus is on building confidence in the kitchen while learning how to cook safely, understand nutrition, and make healthy food choices.
Topic: International cuisine, nutritional needs and healthy eating
In Year 8 Food Technology, students build on their practical and theoretical knowledge by exploring international cuisine and broadening their understanding of global food culture. They will learn about environmental issues related to food, such as sustainability and food miles, and study food provenance. Students also explore the nutritional needs of different age groups and the role of vitamins and nutrients in a healthy diet. Practical lessons include making a variety of international dishes such as jollof rice, croque monsieur, spaghetti Bolognese, pierogi, pizza focaccia, and oat crumble shortbread. Through these dishes students continue to develop key cooking techniques while deepening their understanding of food, culture, and health.
Topic: Raising agents, special diets and dietary needs and macros and micronutrients.
In Year 9 Food Technology, students explore more advanced food topics, including special diets (such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free), and the role of macro and micronutrients in maintaining health. They also investigate different raising agents and how they affect the texture and structure of baked products. Through both theory and practical work, students apply their knowledge to develop more independent cooking skills. The practical lessons include loaded fries, brownie bites, bread rolls, gluten free oat and raisin cookies, breaded chicken, master-chef gluten free pasta dish allowing students to experiment with flavour, presentation, and healthier alternatives while applying their understanding of nutrition and dietary needs.
Course: WJEC Hospitality and Catering Level 1/2
The WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering is made up of two mandatory units; Unit 1 The Hospitality 40% of final grade and Unit 2 Hospitality and Catering in Action 60% of final grade.
This course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of a variety of hospitality and catering providers, including how they operate and the key factors they must consider to be successful. Students will explore important topics such as nutrition and food safety, and how these impact the running of effective hospitality and catering services. The qualification also offers opportunities to build practical food preparation and cooking skills, alongside essential transferable skills such as problem solving, organisation, time management, planning, and communication.
Unit 1 The hospitality and Catering Industry and Unit 2 Hospitality and Catering in Action – practical skills.
Hospitality and Catering in Action students will gain comprehensive knowledge and understanding of key areas within the hospitality and catering industry. They will explore different types of hospitality and catering providers, the roles and responsibilities of those working in the industry, and the working conditions they experience. Students will also examine the factors that contribute to the success of hospitality and catering operations. The course covers the operation of both front and back of house, how businesses respond to customer requirements, and how services are adapted to meet specific needs. In addition, students will develop an understanding of health and safety in hospitality settings and the importance of food safety. They will also study the causes, symptoms, and signs of food-induced ill health, learn how to implement preventative control measures, and understand the role and responsibilities of the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in maintaining standards within the industry. Unit 1 is an external written exam and will be sat at the end of year 11. Students complete a mock exam in year 10.
Year 11: Unit 2 Hospitality and Catering in Action.
Students will complete the unit 2 NEA, students will be given a scenario from the exam board where they will prepare and make two dishes for two different customers’ needs.
As part of unit 2 NEA task students will gain knowledge, understanding, and practical skills related to food preparation and nutrition. They will explore the importance of nutrition and how different cooking methods can impact the nutritional value of food. The unit also covers key aspects of menu planning, including the factors that influence decisions and how to effectively plan production. Students will develop practical skills in preparing and making a range of dishes, using appropriate presentation techniques and applying essential food safety practices throughout. Finally, students will reflect on their work through the reviewing of dishes and by evaluating their own performance, helping them to build confidence and improve their skills for future tasks.
If you are interested in cooking, cuisine or recipes then why not try one of our book recommendations all about food technology - simply select the 'Food Technology' Reading List image, and click on the book cover that you are interested in. Looking for more books based on this subject? Then check out our further book recommendations on Access it here: Food Technology Reading List
At the heart of our Textiles Technology curriculum lies a commitment to cultivating creativity, innovation, and technical skills. We aim to deliver a rich and ambitious curriculum that inspires all learners to explore the full breadth and depth of textile design and manufacturing, while developing the skills necessary to thrive in a fast-evolving creative and technological landscape.
The textiles curriculum places a strong emphasis of the design process and allows students to respond to real-world design problems, conduct research of designers, analysis existing products, generate and develop design ideas, test and refine outcomes and evaluate the finished against the design brief.
Students will gain hands-on experience with a wide range of practical techniques, building their confidence and competence. Students will explore a range of textiles materials and their properties.
Our knowledge rich curriculum covers a wide breath of content which builds upon the work covered in key stage 2 and fully prepares pupils for transition to GCSE/BTEC and beyond.
Students at KS3 work on a rotation and spend a term in each of the following subjects: Textiles, Food and Product Design.
Rotation one: September to December
Rotation two: January to April
Rotation three: April to July
Topic: Patch work tote bag
Using a variety of different skills and patchwork fabric technique students will design and make a tote bag using recycled materials. Students will analyse the design brief, research into the designer Dolce and Gabbana and investigate sustainability. Students will use their research to create prototypes and design their patch work tote bag. Students will be introduced to different skills and techniques such as using a machine sewing, patch work technique, creating seam allowances, fabric manipulation, making a handle and the construction of the final tote bag using specialist tools and equipment. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate the final product against the design brief, reflect upon their strengths and identify areas for further development.
Topic: Tartan cushion
Using a variety of different skills and techniques students will design and make a cushion using tartan folded circles. Students will analyse the design brief, research the designers Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood and tartan fabrics. Students will use their research to design and construct their tartan cushion. Students will be introduced to different skills and techniques such as hand sewing, using a sewing machine, creating seam allowances, manipulating folded circles and the construction of the cushion using specialist tools and equipment. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate the final product against the design brief, reflect upon their strengths and identify areas for further development.
Topics: Bodice
Using a variety of different skills and techniques students will design and make a bodice front using a variety of skills. Students will analyse the design brief, research into a west end musical theatre company and choose one production from Six, Hamilton and Moulin Rouge. Students will use their research to create a range of designs and construct their bodice using a wide variety of fabric techniques. Students will be introduced to different skills and techniques such as Suffolk puffs, ruffles, folded circles, fabric strips, couching, handing stitching and using a sewing machine. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate the final product against the design brief, reflect upon their strengths and identify areas for further development.
Course: Pearsons BTEC Art and Design Tech Award.
The Tech Award gives students the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through realistic vocational contexts. Students will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in the following areas:
Knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, processes and attitudes in the sector such as roles, responsibilities, creative process, art and design disciplines and approaches, materials, techniques and processes.
Development of key skills that prove aptitude in art and design practice, such as generating and visually communicating creative responses to art and design briefs.
Process that underpins effective ways of working in creative industries such as generating ideas, prototyping, development, review and refinement.
Attitudes that are considered most important in art and design practice, including planning, organisation and communication.
Component 1:
Students will research a range of practitioners, using primary and secondary sources. They will develop their understanding of art and design practice through investigation and experimentation, exploring how practitioners use materials, techniques and processes to find creative solutions and communicate with audiences.
The outcomes students will complete are:
A: Use investigation and experimentation process in art and design practice
B: Generate and communicate art and design ideas
C: Develop practical skills through application and review
D: Record and communicate skills development.
Component 2:
As part of component 2 students will interpret a creative brief that is asking you to produce specific art or design work for an identified audience. Students will use a variety of skills to understand the constraints and the requirements of the brief. Students will ensure that the work meets the requirements of the brief by continually reviewing your work. Finally, you will present the work as a digital portfolio, to communicate the development of your work and the final response.
The outcomes students will complete are:
A: Demonstrate understanding of the requirements of a brief
B: Develop and produce a response to a brief
C: Present a response to a brief
Revision Support - Revision sessions weekly for key stage 4 students
Course: Pearsons BTEC National Extended Certificate in Art and Design
BTEC National Extended Certificate in Art and Design
Unit 1: Visual recording and Communication
In unit 1, students develop visual recording and communication skills through exploration and experimentation with materials and methods, gaining confidence in their ability to create work and express and communicate ideas. Students will extend skills through exploring the work of others, ongoing personal reflection and the refinement of their own work. They will demonstrate practice by applying these skills to a set task. To complete the assessment tasks within this unit, students will need to draw on you’re learning from across the programme.
Unit 2: Critical and Contextual Studies in Art and Design
In this unit, students will develop contextual research and critical analysis skills. They will investigate the contextual influences on practitioners that drive and underpin their work. Students will learn how to critically analyse pieces of art and design work, deconstructing images and thinking critically about what they see. Skills will be developed through investigation by selecting and sourcing relevant information to gain a full understanding of the work of artists and designers.
Unit 3: The Creative Process
In this unit, students will explore the activities within the creative process through investigations into Liberty’s London fashion store. They will experiment with ideas generation techniques and contextual research activities. They will also develop ideas through use of materials, techniques and processes, refining ideas and reviewing working practices. Students will then apply their own creative process to a piece of art and design work, reflecting on what they have learned to help inform future practice and make further developments.
Unit 15: Fashion Materials, Techniques and Processes
In unit 15 the students will design and make a garment for the production of “The Great Gatsby”. The students will complete coursework through the design cycle processes. They will develop their work: Exploring fashion materials, techniques and processes through samples of work. Apply fashion materials, techniques and processes to a brief. Review use of fashion materials, techniques and processes to produce a portfolio of evidence and a final costume outcome. Students will reflect and review their work throughout and critically analyse the work of others to inspire their own decisions and inform their own design ideas. Students will evaluate their own journey and make recommendations for future developments and further improvements.
If you are interested in fabrics, fashion or sewing then why not try one of our book recommendations all about textiles - simply select the 'Textiles' Reading List image, and click on the book cover that you are interested in. Looking for more books based on this subject? Then check out our further book recommendations on Accessit here: Textiles Reading List
BBC Bitesize
Pinterest
BTEC Tech Awards Art and Design Practice
BTEC Nationals Art and Design
At the heart of our Product Design curriculum is a commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and technical excellence. We aim to deliver a rich and ambitious programme that inspires all learners to explore the full scope of product design and manufacturing, while developing the skills needed to succeed in an ever-evolving technological and creative landscape.
The product design places a strong emphasis on the iterative design process, encouraging students to respond to real-world problems through purposeful and imaginative design thinking. Students will engage in meaningful research, investigate the work of influential designers, analyse existing products, and generate original design ideas. They will develop and refine their concepts through a combination of sketching, modelling, and digital design.
Students gain hands-on experience with a wide range of tools, materials, and processes, including the use of CAD/CAM technologies such as Tech Soft Design and 3D modelling software; Google Sketchup. They will be encouraged to test and evaluate their prototypes, continually improving their outcomes based on user needs and design briefs.
This knowledge-rich curriculum builds on the foundations of Key Stage 2 and fully prepares students for progression to GCSE and beyond. It ensures that all learners are equipped with the creative, technical, and analytical skills to become confident problem-solvers and innovative designers.
Students at KS3 work on a rotation and spend a term in each of the following subjects: Textiles, Food and Product Design.
Rotation one: September to December
Rotation two: January to April
Rotation three: April to July
Keyring and wall clock
Using a variety of different skills and techniques students will design and make a wall clock. Students will be introduced to 2D CAD software Tech Soft and will produce a small keyring using new tools on Tech Soft. Students will analyse the design brief, research the design brief and existing products. Students will use their research to design their wall clock and create a prototype. Students will be introduced to different skills and techniques such as design development, 2D CAD design, laser cutter and use of pliers to construct the clock. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate the final product against the design brief.
Phone stand
Using a variety of different skills and techniques students will design and make a phone stand. Students will analyse the design brief, research the customer’s needs and existing products. Students will use their research to design their phone stand and create a prototype. Students will be introduced to different skills and techniques such as design development, 2D CAD design, 3D CAD design Google Sketchup, laser cutter and the heat strip to construct the phone stand. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate the final product against the design brief.
Mono amplifier
Using a variety of different skills and techniques students will design and make mono amplifier. Students will analyse the design brief, research the customer’s needs and existing products. Students will use their research to design front of the speaker. Students will be introduced to electronics and construct the PCB board using different components. Students will use the laser cutter to create the case for the speaker and solder the components into the circuit board. Students will have the opportunity to test and evaluate the final product against the design brief.
If you are interested in technology, designing or marketing then why not try one of our book recommendations all about product design - simply select the 'Product Design' Reading List image, and click on the book cover that you are interested in. Looking for more books based on this subject? Then check out our further book recommendations on Accessit here: Product Design Reading List
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