Design & Technology
Design & Technology (D&T) encourages creativity and innovation, teaching pupils to design and create functional products. At Kennet School, we provide an inspiring environment for exploring materials, technology, and design processes.
Curriculum Overview
| Key Stage | Qualification | Taught |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | - | ✔* |
| 4 | GCSE Design & Technology | ✔ |
| 5 | A Level Product Design | ✔ |
* In Key Stage 3, Design & Technology is taught on rotation with Food.
Note: Our Keys Stage 4 Construction course is also taught by our Design & Technology teachers.
Key Stage 3
Pupils explore a range of materials and techniques, learning about product design, engineering principles, and sustainable practices. Projects involve hands-on activities, from concept development to final product creation.
- Download Year 7 Design & Technology Curriculum and Assessment Map*
- Download Year 8 Design & Technology Curriculum & Assessment Map*
- Download Year 9 Design & Technology Curriculum & Assessment Map*
* including Food Preparation & Nutrition
Key Stage 4
Our GCSE Design & Technology course is an exciting course which focusses on understanding and using the huge range of materials available - woods, polymers, metals, fabrics, boards, papers and CAD/CAM. Pupils research, design and make a product of their choice. They will become accustomed to working with different materials and develop an understanding of their properties.
Key Stage 5
Our A Level Product Design course involves students studying a number of manageable topics that build upon each other to provide design knowledge and skills. It places students in the role of a product designer and allows them to develop an awareness of design-related matters. All products created on this course have to be designed, made, marketed and used. Although many lessons are taught by topics and focused tasks, a large proportion is spent on longer design projects, research and practical skill building.
Facilities
We have a wide range of excellent facilities which provide the perfect environment to explore creativity and innovation. These include: two workshops, one CAD/CAM suite, a computer suite, two fabric-based studios, a dedicated design studio and a heat treatment room, complete with casting equipment. Pupils also have access to advanced equipment, including laser cutters, laptops, 3D printers, CNC planner, CNC router, a bag press and access to a wide range of design software.
We offer several co-curricular activities throughout the academic year, from community projects to lunchtime clubs (such as jewellery making, textiles, CAD Cam and electronics), masterclasses to trips.
We are committed to providing an enriching and dynamic environment that nurtures creativity, confidence and real-world skills!