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Design and Technology

Staff
Faculty Leader  

 

Our Ethos

In Design Technology we aim to develop students’ creativity through problem solving, using an iterative process in the following disciplines;

Resistant Materials, Textiles and Graphics. Students build knowledge and practical skills by using a range of tools and processes to help realise a final prototype. Food is also taught, which enables students to make healthy food choices both now and into the future.

 


We are currently in the process of finalising our updated knowledge maps, knowledge organisers for students, and assessment plans. These documents will be placed here once fully completed in the next few weeks.

Subject Curriculum Map(s)

KS3

In Design Technology students’ are taught through a carousel system, which allows them to learn a variety of different life skills that will be beneficial to them in the future and form the foundation if one of the disciplines is taken up as an option at KS4.

During Years 7 and 8, students have three lessons of DT over the course of a two week timetable, with one lesson being a double. At Âé¶¹´«Ã½ we value Design Technology and believe that this extra time benefits our students because they are able to make more complex products, especially in Food.

In Year 9 students have two lessons which are taught as a double period. The subjects offered are; Food, Textiles, and DT (specialising in woods).

Below is a table outlining the curriculum offer at KS3.

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
Money Box Car Dolls House
Biscuit Cutter Cube Calendar Toys
Earphone Wrap Food Clock
Food Textiles (Ugly Dolls) Food
Textiles (Cultural Bean Bags)   Textiles (Street Art T-Shirts

How will you be assessed?

Students will work their way through a booklet for each unit that accompanies their practical learning, and allows for the development of ideas to form. Within the booklet there are sections dedicated to self-assessment where the marking criteria is shared so that the students can make informed decisions about their progress.

Subject teachers will then review the students’ self-assessment before awarding a final grade based on the written and practical elements associated with Design Technology.

KS4

There are four options offered within the Design Technology faculty. They are;

  • AQA GCSE Design Technology (specialising in woods)
  • AQA GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
  • NCFE Graphics (vocational qualification)
  • BTEC Child Development


How can I help my child to revise?

Below are some useful links and books suitable for revision;

Design Technology

All students that opt for Design Technology are issued with a CGP revision guide in Year 10 which they should be using independently to prepare themselves for all pre public examinations along with other resources such as the websites referenced above.

Collins AQA GCSE Revision Design Technology (ISBN: 978-0-00-822741-8)


For information on careers related to Design Technology click on the link below


 

Food Preparation and Nutrition

All students are issued with a CGP revision guide book from the school which they should be using independently to prepare themselves for their exam along with other resources such as the websites referenced above.

Collins AQA GCSE Revision Food Preparation and Nutrition (ISBN: 978-0-00-816634-2)


For information on careers related to food click on the link below


 

Home Learning

In Design & Technology, it is expected that home learning is to form an integral part of the course of study and schemes of work. In addition students have the opportunity to complete outstanding work in Design & Technology after school; where they can get support from a teacher.

Our Expectation:

All students will be expected to complete meaningful home learning tasks at each Key Stage. The faculty recognises the value and importance of the role of home learning as a means of;

  • Developing the students’ knowledge and understanding
  • Developing students’ subject specific key skills in order to prepare them for further studies in Design & Technology
  • Supporting keys skills of literacy, numeracy and communication where appropriate
  • Supporting learning in subsequent lessons
  • Challenging and stretching students through curiosity
  • Developing independent learning skills
  • Providing opportunities of feedback from adults in order to evaluate success and quality of their work
Implementation:

The faculty aims to support expectations by:

  • Setting meaningful home learning tasks in accordance with the whole school home learning policy
  • Linking home learning to work covered in class (connect the learning)
  • Marking home learning promptly and with constructive feedback
  • Providing students with an opportunity to ‘FIXIT’ following feedback
  • Rewarding effort and quality of home learning via the schools reward policy
  • Responding to those students whose work is incomplete and/or fails to meet the required standard through the use of appropriate reprimands
  • At KS4 and KS5 by offering meaningful interim assessment opportunities and feedback designed to assist students to develop and improve their work

Extra-Curricular Activites

The Design and Technology faculty at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ recognises the importance Extra-Curricular activities has on extending and consolidating learning. The Design and Technology department offers after school clubs for different students of different abilities and gives Design and Technology Key Stage 4 and Key stage 5 students the opportunity to use dedicated after school sessions to make sustained progress in their learning.

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Latest News

17th Jul

Historic NASA STEM Trip to Florida

A First for Redbridge: Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Students Embark on Historic NASA STEM Adventure in Orlando, Florida Twenty-seven students become the first young people from the London Borough of Redbridge to experience NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and an unforgettable programme of STEM learning in Florida For the first time in the history of the London Borough of Redbridge, a group of students has had the extraordinary opportunity to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and experience the world of space exploration, engineering and innovation first-hand. Twenty-seven students from Years 10–13 at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime educational journey to Orlando, Florida, creating a landmark moment for STEM education in the local community. This was far more than a school trip. It was an opportunity for students to stand where history has been made, explore the technology behind humanity’s greatest achievements and see how the science they study in classrooms is transforming the world beyond Earth. Travelling with Norse Atlantic Airways, students spent six days and five nights in Florida, staying at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando. Throughout the trip, students developed independence, confidence and resilience while representing Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and Redbridge with pride. Reaching New Heights at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre The highlight of the journey was an inspirational visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, one of the world’s most iconic centres for space exploration. Students walked among real spacecraft and rockets, explored interactive exhibits, experienced space simulations and discovered the incredible stories behind NASA’s missions. They learned about the Apollo programme, the Space Shuttle era, astronaut training, the International Space Station and the future of human exploration beyond Earth. A particularly inspiring moment was learning about the role of the Hubble Space Telescope and how space technology continues to expand humanity’s understanding of the universe. Students saw how physics, mathematics and engineering combine to overcome extraordinary challenges and make space exploration possible. For many students, seeing genuine spacecraft and the engineering behind these missions transformed ideas from their science lessons into something real and tangible. Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers The students also experienced the power of innovation through two days at Disney Parks, where they took part in science and technology workshops exploring the engineering, creativity and problem-solving behind some of the world’s most advanced entertainment experiences. Students discovered that behind every attraction lies a combination of physics, computer science, mathematics, design and engineering. They gained a deeper understanding of how STEM subjects influence industries far beyond traditional scientific careers. At Wonderworks, students continued their exploration of science through interactive exhibits and challenges, investigating concepts including forces, motion, electricity and human perception. The trip also challenged students personally through activities such as iFLY Indoor Skydiving, where they experienced the science of flight and aerodynamics while building confidence and resilience by stepping outside their comfort zones. A Journey of Discovery and Personal Growth Beyond the incredible educational experiences, the trip helped students develop valuable life skills. They worked together, supported one another, adapted to new environments and demonstrated maturity throughout the journey. Students returned home with a greater appreciation of the importance of curiosity, collaboration and ambition. Many reflected on how seeing science applied in the real world had changed the way they viewed their future possibilities. Head of Science at Âé¶¹´«Ã½, Mrs Sevdie Ali, said: "This was a truly historic opportunity for our students and a very proud moment for Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and the Redbridge community. This was not just a visit to NASA—it was an experience that allowed our students to see what is possible when curiosity, determination and scientific ambition come together." "Watching our students stand next to spacecraft, explore world-leading innovation and realise that they too can contribute to future discoveries was incredibly inspiring. We want every student to believe that opportunities like this are within their reach." The Orlando STEM Adventure reflects Âé¶¹´«Ã½’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. By creating access to world-class educational experiences, the school continues to raise aspirations and inspire young people to pursue futures in science, technology, engineering and beyond. The 27 students have returned to Redbridge with unforgettable memories, greater confidence and a renewed passion for discovery. Their journey marks an exciting milestone—not only for Âé¶¹´«Ã½, but for the wider Redbridge community—showing that the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers can come from anywhere.  
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