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Design & Technology - Course Description

Design & Technology at Gaynes School is an exciting and creative subject that encourages students to solve real-world problems through designing, making and evaluating. Through practical and theoretical learning, students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become innovative and resourceful thinkers.

The department benefits from two fully equipped workshops and a specialist Design & Technology computer room, providing students with a variety of opportunities to design, create and develop practical skills. Design & Technology is an exciting and growing subject at Gaynes School, with continued investment in facilities, curriculum development and enrichment opportunities. From September, the department will be staffed by three specialist teachers who are passionate about inspiring students to become confident designers, makers and innovators.

We believe that Design & Technology equips students with valuable life skills, encouraging resilience, creativity, independence and adaptability. Students learn how products are designed and manufactured, how technology influences everyday life and how thoughtful design can help solve problems in the wider world.

At Key Stage 4, students have the opportunity to study GCSE Design & Technology, where they build upon their practical and design skills through increasingly challenging projects and independent design work. Uptake at GCSE continues to grow, reflecting students’ enjoyment of the subject and the exciting opportunities available within the curriculum.

Students are encouraged to take pride in their work and celebrate their achievements through displays, competitions and project showcases. We aim to foster curiosity, creativity and confidence, helping students to develop skills that will support them throughout their education and beyond.

Our expectations

Due to the nature of the subject, it is imperative that all students follow Health and Safety expectations at all times. We expect students to be resilient when having to problem-solve and be willing to take on board advice and adapt design ideas, based on feedback given by others.

During the year, students at KS3 have the opportunity to study Food Technology on a carousel system. Food Preparation and Nutrition equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science and healthy eating. It encourages learners to make informed decisions about nutrition now and later in life. The subject also allows pupils to experience foods that they may not have come across outside of school.

KS3

KS3 Curriculum Overview

Students at Key Stage 3 receive one lesson of Design & Technology per week and follow a curriculum that develops creativity, practical skills and technical understanding.

In Year 7, students are introduced to the design process and begin developing fundamental practical skills. They learn how to investigate, design, manufacture and evaluate products whilst gaining confidence in the safe use of tools, equipment and materials. Students are encouraged to think creatively and develop solutions to design challenges.

In Year 8, students build upon the knowledge and skills developed in Year 7 through increasingly ambitious projects. They refine their practical abilities, improve their problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of how products are designed and manufactured. Students are encouraged to become more independent and reflective in their approach to design.

In Year 9, students consolidate their knowledge, skills and understanding of Design & Technology through more challenging and independent projects. They explore the relationship between design, technology and the wider world whilst developing the confidence and resilience needed for further study. The curriculum provides an excellent foundation for students wishing to progress to GCSE Design & Technology.

KS4

GCSE Design & Technology

At Gaynes School we follow the AQA GCSE Design & Technology course.

Course Structure

Component 1: Written Examination (50%)

A 2-hour written examination assessing students knowledge and understanding of core technical principles, specialist technical principles and designing and making principles.

Component 2: Non-Exam Assessment (50%)

Students complete a substantial design-and-make project in response to a contextual challenge set by AQA. This allows students to demonstrate their ability to investigate, design, manufacture and evaluate a product independently.

What Will I Study?

GCSE Design & Technology provides students with the opportunity to develop creative, practical and technical skills through a range of exciting design-and-make activities.

During Year 10, students develop their knowledge and practical skills through a variety of design projects, often focusing on household and storage products. Students learn how to investigate the needs of users, generate creative ideas and communicate their designs through a range of drawing and presentation techniques, including freehand sketching, rendering, orthographic projection and isometric drawing. They also develop digital design skills through Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, including SketchUp.

Students explore a range of materials and manufacturing processes, with a particular focus on timber and manufactured boards. Practical workshop activities allow students to develop confidence and competence using both hand tools and specialist equipment, including the pillar drill, belt sander, bandsaw and laser cutter. Before manufacturing final outcomes, students learn the importance of testing and refining ideas through modelling and card prototyping.

Throughout the course, students develop their practical skills through a series of focused manufacturing tasks, including measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping and creating a range of joints. These skills provide the foundation for successful independent project work.

In Year 11, students complete their Non-Exam Assessment project. Following the release of the AQA contextual challenges, students are free to respond creatively to a range of design problems. They investigate, design, prototype, manufacture and evaluate a final product, demonstrating creativity, independence and technical skill whilst producing a meaningful solution for a real user.

Why Choose GCSE Design & Technology?

GCSE Design & Technology is an excellent choice for students who enjoy designing, problem-solving and practical work.

The course develops creativity, resilience and independence whilst encouraging students to think critically about how products are designed and manufactured. Students learn valuable practical skills alongside transferable skills such as communication, organisation, project management and analytical thinking.

Many students choose Design & Technology because they enjoy the balance of creative design, digital technologies and hands-on practical work. The opportunity to design and manufacture products in our specialist workshops makes the subject both engaging and rewarding.

Students are encouraged to become innovative thinkers who can identify problems, generate solutions and turn ideas into reality. These skills are highly valued by colleges, universities and employers alike.

Future Pathways

GCSE Design & Technology provides an excellent foundation for further study at sixth form and college, as well as a wide range of vocational and apprenticeship routes.

The subject supports progression into areas including engineering, construction, architecture, product design, furniture design, manufacturing, surveying, graphic communication and many other creative and technical industries. The combination of practical skills, creativity and problem-solving makes Design & Technology a highly respected qualification that prepares students well for future education and employment.

DT Curriculum Overview

DT curriculum overviewDT curriculum overview 2026 27

Useful Links

KS3

  • Book: Letts Educational KS3 Design Technology

KS4

Book: Lonsdale Design Technology Revision Guide