Design and Technology
Curriculum Leader: Miss E Grey - greye@alkerdenacademy.co.uk
"Developing creativity, problem-solving and innovation to cultivate design thinking."
Intent
At Alkerden Academy, we understand that Design & Technology empowers learners to think critically, solve problems and bring ideas to life through practical application. Our intent is to provide a rich and diverse curriculum that develops core technical skills alongside creativity, resilience and reflection. Learners are given opportunities to design, make and evaluate across a range of materials and contexts, from architecture and food to electronics and robotics.
We aim to:
- Build confidence in designing, making and evaluating, and develop an understanding of how these skills are connected.
- Develop technical knowledge across a range of materials, processes and systems.
- Foster creativity and imagination through independent and collaborative projects.
- Cultivate cultural capital by linking design and technology to wellbeing, community, sustainability and innovation.
- Enable learners to problem-solve and communicate ideas effectively through drawings, models, prototypes and presentations.
Implementation
Learners have 2 lessons a fortnight across the breadth of Design & Technology specialisms, following a carefully planned journey.
Implementation is enriched by:
- Regular opportunities to develop technical drawing skills (1- and 2-point perspective, isometric, exploded diagrams, plans/sections/elevations, projections, and conceptual sketches).
- Embedding self-regulation skills such as problem-solving, target setting, monitoring progress, reflection, time management, and giving/receiving critique.
- Exposure to the GCSE Design & Technology assessment objectives, ensuring strong progression into KS4.
- Practical experience across a range of materials (timber, metal, polymers, textiles, papers/boards, and electronics).
- Adaptations to support learners with additional needs so that every individual can flourish in D&T.
The second column.
Impact
The first column.
The impact of Design & Technology at Alkerden Academy will be seen in the confidence, creativity and independence of our learners as designers and makers.
By the time they leave, learners will:
- Have developed a broad set of technical and creative skills across multiple disciplines.
- Be confident in communicating design ideas through drawing, modelling, prototyping and presenting.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving, critical thinking and self-regulation skills that extend beyond the workshop and classroom.
- Have been introduced to the principles of GCSE D&T, including technical knowledge, design processes and evaluation skills.
- Be prepared to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, from sustainability to community-focused design.
Design & Technology at Alkerden reflects our Alkerden Heart - nurturing learners’ creativity, building resilience through problem-solving, and supporting every individual to flourish.
Design and Technology in Key Stage 3 (KS3)
Our KS3 DT learning journey is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in knowledge, skills, and creative independence. As with all areas of the curriculum at Alkerden Academy, it remains responsive to the needs of our learners and may be adapted over time to ensure every learner can thrive.
Design and Technology Future Career Paths
This qualification could potentially serve as the starting point for a wide range of design-orientated professions.
Careers could include: product design, interior design, and architecture.