Design Technology
"Almost everything around us is designed, but how much of it is ‘good design’? In D&T lessons students will learn to put the ‘user’ first, identifying their needs and wants in order to design and make workable solutions to real-life problems."
Mrs Barnes, Subject Leader for Design Technology
Subject Overview
At St Mary's, Design Technology helps students make sense of an ever-changing world through the application of empathetic research, sustainable, user-centred design and the creation of workable solutions. Our students learn a wide range of practical skills which enables them to realise their own ideas from first concept, to finished product.
Course Content
Design Technology Years 7 - 9
- develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
- build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
- critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
Design Technology Years 10 and 11
Students build on the fundamental concepts developed in the earlier years exploring all the topics in more depth, gaining a firm grounding in:
- new and emerging technologies
- energy generation and storage
- developments in new materials
- systems approach to designing
mechanical devices - materials and their working properties Students also study a range of Specialist Technical principles and choose between Textiles and Wood, metal and plastics as the focus for their coursework project
Student Quotes
"Everything we do in Design Technology is something that could be useful when we’re older. I never thought that I’d be able to use all the equipment and machines that I can use now”.
“We get to program equipment such as the laser cutter, the 3-D printer and the embroidery machines with our own designs. D&T is awesome!”
“The teachers understand this is new to us. They may have taught it hundreds of times but they know it’s the first time we’ve learnt it and they’re very patient”.