Design Technology

Design Technology is about looking at where we are now as a society, and where pupils think we could be. At Blessed Thomas Holford, we have the future designers, inventors and innovators, the people who will design and shape our future. Design Technology aims to teach pupils to think independently and creativity when they work on a problem. We aim to teach pupils to be problem solvers, who are not afraid of making mistakes. Design Technology builds on the theory work pupils learn in other subjects; gets pupils to use their theoretical knowledge and then apply it to solve real world issues. For example, pupils research and study the impact our current lifestyles have on the environment, they then design, develop, and test their ideas until they have a solution. We aim to empower pupils to become the people who will solve the issues of tomorrow: climate change, overpopulation and improve quality of life.

In key stage 3, pupils study a range of different topics.  The curriculum journey begins with timbers, we explore how to work with timbers and the impact it has on the environment.  Using this as a starting point, we explore design, how things are made, how designers have a positive impact on humanity and sustainability.  We question the impact design and technology have on the environment and wider world.  In Year 8 we build on the knowledge and skills gained in Year 7 and begin by studying plastics and electronics.  We explore how electrical systems work and how to work with plastics and timbers.  Much like in Year 7, we consider the impact plastics have on the environment.  Our studies in Year 8 end with inclusive design.  We focus on how we can conduct designs thinking about people with different abilities and experiences and how they use products.  This weaves into the study of mechanisms and how mechanical systems work.  In Year 9, we begin with the study of metals, plastics and timbers.  We look at the impact each of these materials have on the environment drawing upon prior knowledge from Year 7 and Year 8.  Later in the year we draw upon the influence culture and architecture has on design.  Pupils design a Maggie’s Centre, thinking about design and adaptation for people living with cancer.

At key stage 4, pupils build on the knowledge they have learnt in lower school. We recap all the different material groups in more detail. Pupils build on their design, modelling and build skills each time doing longer and more complex projects. By Year 11 the final project involves 35 hours of independent study to solve a real world problem and a two hour exam.  Pupils will retrieve the theory they have learnt throughout their key stage 3 studies.