Welcome to Design & Technology

Our Curriculum

Key Stage 3: Creativity, Skills and Discovery (Years 7–9)

We are all about making the world a better place. We are the people that see things others do not see, take them apart to understand how they work, and then come up with inventive ways to make them better. We love designing and we love using tools, machinery and technology that makes our lives easier.  We are D&T!

The D&T department is completely dedicated to the subject and are passionate about creating the next generation of creative thinkers, problem solvers, practical makers and world improvers. We believe that we are unique as a subject because we give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in other subject areas like Science, Mathematics , computer Science, History, Geography, Art and many others to real life situations and projects, this improving each students life chances.

In the Technology Faculty, students study Design & Technology alongside Engineering and Construction, providing them with a broad understanding of how creativity, technology and practical problem-solving work together. Through a carefully sequenced programme of learning, students complete a range of exciting design-and-make projects that introduce the principles of Product Design, Design Studies, Construction and Engineering, working within the National Curriculum guidance.

Working with a variety of materials, tools and digital technologies, students design, manufacture and evaluate products including laser-cut projects, metalwork, timber products , electronic devices and smart modern materials. These practical experiences develop technical knowledge, precision, resilience and confidence while fostering creativity and independent thinking. By the end of Key Stage 3, students have acquired the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices about their future pathways.

 

Key Stage 4: Mastery and Specialisation (Years 10–11)

At Key Stage 4, students can choose from a range of academic and vocational pathways that reflect their interests, talents and career aspirations. Whether studying GCSE Design & Technology or vocational qualifications in Engineering and Construction, students deepen their understanding of the design process while applying technical knowledge to increasingly complex, real-world challenges.

The curriculum develops advanced manufacturing skills, problem-solving, creativity and project management while encouraging students to think critically about how products are designed to improve everyday life. Through both theoretical study and practical application, students build the confidence and expertise required for progression into Sixth Form, apprenticeships or further technical education at college.

 

Key Stage 5: Innovation, Industry and Future Pathways (Years 12–13)

Students wishing to continue their journey in Design & Technology can study A Level Product Design (AQA) within our Sixth Form. This academically rigorous qualification combines engineering principles, material science, design theory and practical innovation, enabling students to tackle sophisticated design challenges through both written examination and an extended design-and-make project.

Learning is closely aligned with modern industry practices, giving students opportunities to develop advanced CAD/CAM skills, independent project management and professional design thinking. Through our strong partnerships with local businesses and employers, students benefit from valuable industry links, work experience opportunities and an insight into careers within engineering, manufacturing, architecture, product design and the creative industries.

Many of our students progress to university courses, higher and degree apprenticeships, or employment within engineering and design-related sectors, making Design & Technology an excellent foundation for a wide range of ambitious future destinations.

Enrichment and extracurricular Activities

Students wishing to pursue their interests in D&T outside of lesson times are encouraged to come and use the facilities for their project work whenever possible. We offer a range of clubs and mini projects for younger students to get involved with as well as D&T surgery for older D&T students to get extra support and access to equipment during lunch times and after school during the school week. 

To enrich the learning in the classroom and workshop, we also organise a range of school trips and competitions to inspire and extend our students learning journey. Regular annual trips include visits to Brooklands museum, Mini Cooper manufacturing plant in Oxford, the V&A and Science museums(London), Harry Potter world and the "New Designers" show in London. As well as guided tours and D&T focused workshops at local universities (Kingston, Surrey and Sussex)

Destinations

We have a proud history of producing well rounded learners with a range of talents that they take into the real world. Many have gone on to pursue an academic pathway at university in various areas of design (graphic design, product design, interior design, games design) engineering ( mechanical, automotive, aeronautical, chemical) and the built environment( architecture, civil engineering, construction management, special design) DT is the perfect choice for students looking to move onto various careers paths, including self-employment ( freelance designers, inventors, entrepreneurs), building contractors (plumbers, electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, roofers, landscapers), and engineering ( technicians, mechanics, machine operators, electrical engineers, gas service  engineers.

Subject Leaders: 

Dominic Brockhouse - dbrockhouse@carshaltonboys.org, &  Marthinus Slabber - mslabber@carshaltonboys.org

Line manager ofTechnology:                Hannah Baker- hbaker@carshaltonboys.org