Curriculum

Curriculum Roadmap

Topics

• Materials.
• Performance characteristics of materials.
• Processes and techniques.
• Digital technologies.
• Factors influencing the development of products.
• Effects of technological developments.
• Potential hazards and risk assessment.
• Features of manufacturing industries.
• Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment.
• Current legislation.
• Information handling, modelling and forward planning.
• Further processes and techniques.

Skills and requirements

Subject entry requirements

• Grade 5 in any design and technology GCSE course.
• Students who have not studied design and technology can still take take this option. Please contact the school for advice.

Sixth Form entry requirements

• 4 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 or more grade 7s or above including English and maths (grade 5 or above).
• 3 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 grade 5s or above including English and maths.
• Level 3 vocational courses: for students who have achieved 5 grade 4s or above including English and maths.

Beyond the classroom

Future pathways

A-level design and technology is an ideal stepping stone onto a creative degree course. Many pupils go on to study a wide range of degrees in areas such as product design, architecture, automotive design, jewellery design, packaging design and some engineering courses.

Several students each year progress to apprenticeships or full time employment in practical fields such as welding, building and carpentry.