Design & Technology

Staff

Miss Hill (Head of Department)

Miss Kaur

Mr Skibinski

Miss Wilkinson

AIMS

Through the Design and Technology curriculum, students develop into creative, critical thinkers who confidently apply their knowledge, technical understanding, and practical skills to solve real-world problems. They develop an awareness of the social and environmental impact of design and technology, enabling them to make informed decisions, think innovatively, and create purposeful solutions. As a result, students are well prepared for further study and future careers in an increasingly technological and rapidly changing world.

Curriculum:

In Key Stage 3, students follow a carefully structured curriculum that builds a strong foundation in key areas of Design and Technology. They develop secure knowledge and hands-on experience with a range of materials, manufacturing processes, and CAD/CAM technologies. Alongside technical skills, students explore the social and environmental impact of design, encouraging them to think critically about the role of technology in society.

In Key Stage 4, students build on their prior knowledge by expanding their understanding of the full design process, including researching and investigating, designing and making, analysing and evaluating. They deepen their knowledge of materials and their working properties while exploring historical, cultural, environmental, and social issues related to design. These experiences enable student to apply their understanding to real-world challenges and create thoughtful, innovative solutions.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all students are well-prepared with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to further develop their expertise and creativity in the subject.

Course Calendars

Click here to view the Course Calendar for KS3

Click here to view the Course Calendar for KS4

 

KEY STAGE 3

Students are exposed to all aspects of design through KS3, embarking on a 9-week rotation in which students explore different aspects of Design and Technology.

Students are assessed three times during every rotation – two project-based assessments and an end of unit written exam. Dates of the assessments and outlines of lessons taught within each rotation can be seen in the course calendars in the front of students’ books or by using the links above An overview of the units studied in Design and Technology can be seen in the course calendar for KS3

During KS3 students are introduced to a range of tools and equipment. They learn to work safely to produce high quality products that they will take home at the end of the rotation.

In electronics Students are introduced to coding using crumble components and software. Students will learn how different electronic components function and how to solder. These skills will be used by students in the creation of their electronic circuits.

Students are introduced to a Computer Aided Design (CAD) package Techsoft 2D design. They learn how to develop designs and produce them using a laser cutter or 3D printer, Students work with a number of materials to produce a commercially viable product. In year 9 students are introduced to the 3D CAD modelling program Autodesk Fusion 360.

GCSE Design and Technology is offered as an option at the end of KS3.

 

 

KEY STAGE 4

Year 10 & 11

GCSE Design and Technology is about providing opportunities for students to develop their capability, combining their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to create quality products.

We offer AQA Design and Technology. These Schemes are assessed by the exam board 50% Written exam and 50% controlled assessment. This suite of courses offers students the opportunity to build and develop knowledge and skills acquired during Key Stage 3, along with new skills required to achieve the higher grades in coursework and examinations. We support our students with a vibrant technology club where students can work with the design after school to achieve one to one support.

Year 12 & 13

Product Design can be chosen as an option for A-level for students who have studied GCSE Design and Technology and achieved a minimum of a grade 6. The course is run at King Edward VI Aston School and King Edward VI Handsworth Girls School.

Product Design is the study of how we interact with everyday things and how we can improve the quality of people’s lives through better, more thoughtful and intelligent design. Assessment in this course is 50% Exam and 50% NEA. Students study materials, processes, CAD/CAM, manufacturing systems and engineering in society. Students learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems individually and as members of a team. Students evaluate present and past designs and their uses.