Overview
The Key Stage 3 technology curriculum gives pupils practical skills and confidence in both design technology and food preparation. In DT, they learn how to design and make products using a range of materials, tools and techniques. In food, they develop essential cooking skills, understand healthy eating and learn to prepare dishes safely and hygienically. Together, these subjects help pupils become creative, independent and capable problem‑solvers ready for future study and everyday life.
At Key Stage 4, design technology teaches pupils how modern products are designed and made through creative problem‑solving and iterative design. Pupils will learn key principles such as understanding user needs, analysing existing products, exploring materials and manufacturing processes, and considering sustainability and wider impacts. Pupils are assessed through a written exam on design principles and a non‑exam design‑and‑make project where they develop and prototype a solution to a real‑world problem.
Year 7
Term 1 – DT – use of woodwork tools and machines
Term 2 – Food – balanced diet
Year 8
Term 1 – DT – use of metal working tools; iterative design
Term 2 – Food – food provenance
Year 9
Term 1 – DT – computer aided design skills; electronics
Term 2 – Food – working in the catering industry
Year 10
Term 1 – Resistant materials – timbers, metals and boards
Term 2 – Resistant materials – plastics; manufacturing
Term 3 – Forces; sources of energy; non-examined brief
Year 11
Term 1 – Coursework – research, ideation and design iteration; completion of a prototype
Term 2 – Coursework – testing and feedback; evaluation. Revision
Term 3 – Revision
Exam board
OCR Design and Technology GCSE (J310)