Design Technology

 

 

Curriculum Intent – Design & Technology (including Product Design, Food and Textiles)

 

At Key Stage 3 the Design Technology curriculum rotates through Product Design, Textiles and Food each year.

Design & Technology at Lampton empowers students to become innovative problem-solvers and independent designers who understand the impact of design on daily life and the wider world. Our curriculum includes Product Design, Food Preparation & Nutrition, and Textiles.

 

Knowledge

Students gain a deep understanding of materials, tools, and processes, as well as knowledge of nutrition, sustainability, user needs, and technological developments. They learn how to work safely and responsibly in practical environments, applying theory to real-world contexts.

 

Skills

Students develop technical proficiency in design thinking, drawing, CAD, making, and evaluating. They learn how to plan, prototype, and test ideas, while mastering skills in cooking, sewing, and manufacturing. Project-based learning builds confidence in managing time, solving problems, and reflecting on outcomes.

 

Dispositions

The subject fosters creativity, resilience, and a willingness to iterate and improve. Students learn to communicate ideas visually and verbally, work collaboratively, and take pride in making functional and well-considered products. We encourage ethical thinking around design, consumption, and environmental impact.

Through engaging, hands-on learning, students become confident creators who are prepared for further study or careers in engineering, nutrition, fashion, and product innovation.

 

	Autumn 1 Product Design 1	Autumn 2 Product Design 2	Spring 1 Textiles 1	Spring 2 Textiles 2	Summer 1 Food 1	Summer 2 Food 2
Y7	Acrylic foam stand project; Introduction to PD, key skills for working with plastic, health and safety and 2D design/ CAD software	Acrylic foam stand project; marking out, manufacturing and finishing.	Fibres and fabrics. Safely using textile tools. Design brief. Drawing for design .	Range of hand embroidery skills.  Evaluation	Introduction to Food Tech Food Hygiene and Safety EATWELL GUIDE - Healthy Eating	Food Provenance. Food Preparation / Cooking Techniques.
Y8	Kinetic toy project; wood manufacturing skills, health and safety, sustainability	Kinetic toy project; constructing, finishing, staining and kinetic systems.	Brief and specification. Branding used in pop art (Jim Dine) Printmaking.	Machine quilting. Evaluation against the brief	Food Hygiene and Safety Food Provenance. How to reduce food waste.	Food and Nutrition Cooking Skills and Techniques.
Y9	Chair project; design cycle, market research and isometric drawings	Chair project; joint workshop, mini prototyping and scaled drawing, design pitching.	Design brief and specification, sustainability in design 6Rs. Mass production Fast fashion. Sewing machine basics.	Design a sustainable product. Sewing seams. Machine decoration. Repurposed fabric.	Food, Diet and Health Food Provenance and Consumer Information Sustainability with cooking.	Food Preparation and Cooking Techniques. Consumer Food and Drink Choice.

 

At Key Stage 4 the Design Technology curriculum focuses on 3D Design.

 

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Y10	Introduction to GCSE 3D design and a range of new materials and techniques	Supplementary work project; isometric designs	Introduction to component 1 (objects), focusing on creating work from primary visual research	Component 1; focusing on the work of established practitioners	Component 1; research and development of ideas	Component 1; research and development of ideas
Y11	Component 1; research and development of ideas	Component 1; research and development of ideas towards final outcome	Externally Set Assignment	Students continue exploring chosen question for exam unit.	Externally Set Assignment 10 hour Timed Period	--

 

3D design: GCSE exam board & specification AQA (specification)

 

Food: NCFE Level 1/ 2 technical award in food and cookery (specification) 

 

Knowledge organisers:

Year 7 PD

Year 8 PD

Year 9 PD

Year 7-9 Textiles

Year 7-9 Food

 

How to Support Your Child in Design & Technology, Food, and Textiles

 

You don’t need to be a specialist to support your child’s learning. Small conversations and simple activities at home can have a big impact on their confidence and progress in creative and practical subjects like Design & Technology, Food, and Textiles.

 

1. Encourage practical skills at home

• In Food, involve your child in planning and preparing meals. Ask them to weigh ingredients, follow a recipe, or even adapt one to be healthier or suit a budget.
   

• In Textiles, allow them to repair clothes, customise items, or explore hand or machine sewing if you have access.
   

• For D&T, support any model-making, DIY tasks, or sketching ideas—they could upcycle an object or help with flat-pack furniture!
   

Even simple tasks like learning to iron or measuring wood can develop the practical skills that support classroom learning.

 

2. Connect learning to the real world

Help your child notice how design affects their everyday life—whether it’s the layout of a shop, the packaging of a product, or the ergonomics of a chair. Prompt them to think:
“Why is it designed that way?” or “Could it be improved?”

Encouraging this kind of observation helps them develop as thoughtful and creative problem-solvers.

 

3. Help them get organised

Remind your child to keep their sketchbook, coursework or practical folder up to date and well-presented. Encourage them to manage their time effectively—especially during GCSE or assessment deadlines. Supporting a consistent work routine can reduce last-minute stress.

 

4. Make use of media and exhibitions

Explore creative content together:

• Watch documentaries like Inside the Factory, The Great British Sewing Bee, or Grand Designs.
   

• Follow fashion, food, or product design blogs or YouTube channels.
   

• Visit museums and exhibitions (such as the V&A, Science Museum, or Design Museum) to spark curiosity and broaden their understanding of design in the wider world.
   

Many of these resources are free or available online and can inspire project ideas or careers.

With your support, your child will grow as a confident, capable, and imaginative learner—ready to take on future challenges in any creative or technical field.

 

What opportunities for enrichment are there in Design & Technology?

Design & Technology at Lampton provides practical, skill-building enrichment opportunities that prepare students for creative and technical pathways.

• GCSE Coursework Support Workshops take place twice a week (Monday and Wednesday) after school. These sessions help students develop their design ideas, improve practical skills, and meet their NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) deadlines with tailored feedback.
   

• KS3 Product Design Club runs weekly and gives students hands-on experience with materials and tools, building confidence in making and designing. Projects are fun, challenging, and often linked to real-world design problems.
   

• Cookery Club is offered weekly and is open to all year groups. It supports students in developing essential life skills, confidence in the kitchen, and an understanding of nutrition and food preparation.
   

• Career links and competitions are woven into the curriculum and enrichment offer. Students learn about careers in architecture, engineering, product design, and food science, and are encouraged to take part in national competitions and enterprise projects.
   

These opportunities give students practical experience while deepening their understanding of how design and technology impacts the world around them.

 

What Careers Can Success in Design & Technology Lead To?

Success in Design and Technology (DT) opens up diverse and exciting career pathways by combining creativity, technical knowledge, and problem-solving. Whether at KS3, GCSE, or A-Level, DT teaches students how to design innovative solutions, work with real-world materials, and apply practical skills—making it highly relevant to careers in engineering, product design, architecture, construction, manufacturing, and beyond.

DT students learn to research, prototype, and refine ideas with purpose, developing the ability to think critically and iteratively. These are essential skills in industries that value innovation, teamwork, and the ability to turn ideas into tangible outcomes—from automotive design to civil engineering, interior design to industrial product development.

Studying DT also builds character. It develops independence, perseverance, and attention to detail. It teaches students to take risks, learn from setbacks, and respond to feedback—traits that are crucial in creative and technical environments.

As they progress, students build a strong foundation in design thinking and technical understanding, alongside transferable skills such as communication, time management, and critical evaluation. Whether progressing to university, apprenticeships, or into industry, DT prepares students for careers that shape the world around us. From engineers to architects, set designers to structural technicians, DT empowers students to design the future with creativity and confidence.

 

What Careers Can Success in Food Preparation & Nutrition Lead To?

Food Preparation and Nutrition offers students far more than just practical cookery skills—it builds confidence, independence, and a deep understanding of food science, health, and sustainability. Across KS3 and GCSE, students develop an awareness of how food impacts our lives and the wider world, making this subject a valuable stepping stone toward a range of careers.

By studying food, students learn about nutrition, hygiene, food provenance, and sensory analysis. These skills are essential for future roles in dietetics, food product development, catering, hospitality, environmental health, and nutrition education.

The subject also nurtures key character traits such as organisation, precision, resilience, and creativity. It encourages students to experiment, adapt to feedback, and solve problems under time pressure—ideal preparation for fast-paced, real-world careers.

Food education supports progression into both academic and vocational pathways, including apprenticeships in hospitality, food science degrees, or careers in health and wellbeing. Whether they go on to become chefs, food technologists, nutritionists, or entrepreneurs, students leave equipped with transferable skills that support success in many sectors.

 

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What Careers Can Success in Textiles Lead To?

Textiles gives students the opportunity to combine creativity with craftsmanship, developing both artistic flair and technical ability. Through KS3, GCSE, and beyond, students explore fabric manipulation, garment construction, surface decoration, and sustainable design—preparing them for careers in fashion, costume, interiors, and textiles innovation.

This subject enables learners to think independently and bring their ideas to life. They learn to investigate themes, plan outcomes, and apply visual and tactile skills—key attributes for roles in fashion design, textile art, costume for film/theatre, trend forecasting, and retail merchandising.

Success in Textiles also builds essential personal qualities: attention to detail, problem-solving, patience, and resilience. Students are encouraged to be reflective and to respond creatively to feedback, making them adaptable and resourceful thinkers.

Whether progressing to an art and design foundation course, fashion degree, or creative apprenticeship, students gain both a portfolio and a mindset that supports progression. From stylists to set designers, embroiderers to eco-fashion campaigners, Textiles opens the door to a future where innovation and artistry go hand in hand.

 

For further information, contact:

Ms Nouri

jnouri@Lampton.org.uk