Design Technology Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Aim & Intent
Aim
The aim of the subject Design and Technology (DT) is to develop students’ creativity, problem-solving skills, and practical abilities by engaging them in designing, making, and evaluating products or systems. DT encourages students to apply knowledge from science, mathematics, art, and engineering to real-world contexts, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
More specifically, DT aims to:
- Encourage creativity and innovation by allowing students to design and make products that solve problems or meet needs.
- Develop practical skills such as using tools, materials, and technologies safely and effectively.
- Promote understanding of materials, systems, and processes involved in manufacturing and design.
- Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by analyzing and improving their own and others’ work.
- Prepare students for future careers in design, engineering, manufacturing, and related fields.
- Promote sustainability and ethical awareness in design choices.
DT aims to combine knowledge, creativity, and practical skills to equip students to be confident, resourceful, and responsible designers and makers.
Intent
For Years 7 to 9 (ages 11–14), the aim of Design and Technology (DT) is to build a solid foundation in designing and making skills while encouraging creativity and problem-solving through practical projects. At this stage, DT focuses on developing students’ confidence and capability to:
- Explore a broad range of materials and techniques, including resistant materials (like wood and plastic), graphics, and food technology.
- Understand and apply the design process, including researching, designing, prototyping, making, testing, and evaluating.
- Develop practical skills using hand tools, machines, and emerging technologies such as CAD (computer-aided design).
- Encourage innovation and creativity by designing products that solve real problems or meet specific needs.
- Understand the impact of design and technology on society, culture, and the environment, promoting responsible and sustainable choices.
- Work both independently and collaboratively on projects, improving communication and teamwork skills.
- Develop critical thinking through evaluating their own work and that of others to improve product quality.
Overall, DT in Years 7-9 aims to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to confidently engage with technology and design challenges, laying the groundwork for more specialized study in later years if students decide to study NCFE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Engineering or WJEC Level 1/2 Award in Hospitality and Catering.
Brief Overview of Curriculum Content for Each Term
Autumn term Spring Term Summer Term Yr 7 - Design brief
- Product analysis
- Tint, tone and shade
- Texture
- 1pp drawing
- Isometric drawing
- Design specification
- The environment
- Nets of shapes
- Food safety
- Eatwell Guide
- Impacts of fast food
- Menu planning and design
- Food packaging
- 2pp cubes and shapes
- Tone, shade and texture,
- 2pp drawing
Yr 8 - Design brief analysis
- Timber
- Product Analysis
- Design ideas
- Marking out, manufacturing, assembly and finishing processes
- Health and safety
- Tools and equipment
- Health and safety
- Cooking methods
- Eatwell Guide
- Fruit and vegetables
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fats
- Civil engineers
- Isometric drawing
- CAD (Computer Aided Design)
Yr 9 - Marking out, manufacturing, assembly and finishing processes
- Health and safety
- Tools and equipment
- Timber
- Polymer
- Redesign
- CAD (Computer Aided Design)
- Health and safety
- Cooking methods
- Food safety
- Enviromental Health Officer
- Nutrition
- Macro and Micronutrients
- Poduction plans
- Design brief analysis
- Client brief and profile
- Scale and floor planning
- Scale models
- Elevation drawings
- 2pp drawings
How Our Curriculum Caters For SEND Students
How does our Curriculum cater for students with SEND?
Southmoor Academy is an inclusive academy where every child is valued and respected. We are committed to the inclusion, progress and independence of all our students, including those with SEN. We work to support our students to make progress in their learning, their emotional and social development and their independence. We actively work to support the learning and needs of all members of our community.
A child or young person has SEN if they have a learning difficulty or disability which calls for special educational provision to be made that is additional to or different from that made generally for other children or young people of the same age. (CoP 2015, p16)
Teachers are responsible for the progress of ALL students in their class and high-quality teaching is carefully planned; this is the first step in supporting students who may have SEND. All students are challenged to do their very best and all students at the Academy are expected to make at least good progress.
Specific approaches which are used within the curriculum areas include:
- 1:1 support with practical tasks through the use of the DT technician
- Resources adapted to accommodate a range of SEND needs
- Practical tasks demonstrated and more challenging stages recorded to be viewed by the learner as needed
- Seating plans to allow for peer/teacher support
- A range of learning styles embedded in all lessons
How Our Curriculum Caters For Disadvantaged Students
How does our curriculum cater for disadvantaged students and those from minority groups?
As a school serving an area with high levels of deprivation, we work tirelessly to raise the attainment for all students and to close any gaps that exist due to social contexts. The deliberate allocation of funding and resources has ensured that attainment gaps are closing in our drive to ensure that all pupils are equally successful when they leave the Academy.
More specifically within the teaching of Design Technology we;
- In Design Technology, each member of staff holds a teaching handbook that identifies disadvantaged pupils.
- Pupils are placed in the classrooms with careful consideration so that they receive high quality focus and support from staff and peers.
- Targeted support for under-performing students
- Intervention available throughout the week
- Technician support with practical tasks
- Engagement through the use of practical learning
Knowledge Organisers
Other Related Curriculum Documents
