Purpose

The Year 8 and 9 Design & Technology curriculum aims to develop students' creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge through a range of hands-on projects. It introduces them to a range of materials, tools, and digital technologies while fostering an understanding of design principles and safe working practices. Students learn to research, prototype, and evaluate their ideas, preparing them for further study and real-world applications. Collaboration, resilience, and innovation are key themes, helping students build confidence in designing and making functional products. This foundation equips them with essential skills for future careers in design, engineering, and technology-related fields.

Content

 In Year 9, students explore the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, drawing inspiration from his architecture, furniture, and jewellery designs. Using 2D CAD software, students design a pewter pendant, which is then cut with a laser cutter. After assembly, students pour liquid pewter into their designs and finish them to create polished, unique pendants.

The final KS3 project is an exciting architecture challenge. Students design and build their own individual houses using foam board—the same material professional architects use. Working in teams, they then design and construct a skyscraper, culminating in a scaled model of a modern city. This project covers architectural concepts like interior layouts, scale, proportion, views, and landscape design. The completed city will be displayed, showcasing the students' creativity, teamwork, and technical skills.

Beyond the classroom

A weekly architecture club at lunchtime