Design & Technology

"Design is intelligence made visible". alina wheeler.

Our vision for Design technology (ks3) at all saints 

Design Technology at All Saints Academy encourages students to be creative, confident and thoughtful problem‑solvers. Through sketching, designing and prototyping, students learn how ideas grow and develop. They work safely with a range of tools and materials, explore how products meet user needs, and consider the role of ergonomics and the wider world in good design.

Our KS3 curriculum reflects our Christian vision by nurturing wisdom, dignity and community in line with SIAMS principles. Students develop resilience through iterative design, show respect when working together, and learn to design with compassion by considering the needs of others. They also explore the work of influential designers and engage with a variety of materials and techniques to create high‑quality outcomes. Throughout, we encourage students to recognise their own gifts and talents and explore future pathways in creative and technical careers.

Our vision for Design technology (ks4) at all saints

At KS4, students deepen their independence as designers and makers. They learn how to carry out effective research, explore materials and methods in greater depth, build a meaningful design portfolio and respond creatively to design briefs. Through testing and evaluating their ideas, students strengthen their critical thinking, resilience and ambition.

Our KS4 curriculum supports the SIAMS focus on wisdom, knowledge and skills, as well as character development rooted in hope and aspiration. Students are encouraged to take creative risks, engage thoughtfully with real‑world problems, and understand how design can contribute positively to society. The course prepares learners for further study and a wide range of creative, engineering and technical careers.

how will we achieve this 

How will we assess design technology

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8)

Assessment in KS3 Design Technology is designed to track progression in both practical and theoretical understanding throughout each project. Students are assessed regularly through:

• Practical Skills – including safe tool use, accuracy, craftsmanship, and application of technical processes.
• Theory Knowledge Checks – short assessments exploring engineering principles, materials, processes, and sector understanding.
• Master of Recall Tests – low‑stakes quizzes that help students strengthen long‑term knowledge retention.
• Designing & Making Projects – each year group completes a core design-and-make task:
  • Year 7: Fabric Torch Keyring (Textiles and Electronics)
  • Year 8: Pull Along Toy (Timbers)

These projects allow students to demonstrate creativity, problem‑solving, and their ability to communicate ideas using sketches, modelling, CAD/CAM and practical outcomes. Assessment is ongoing and supports students in developing the resilience, independence and technical accuracy required for KS4.

Pathways by year group for Materials

Assessment (KS4) AQA GCSE Design and Technology

The AQA GCSE Design & Technology course is assessed through two equally weighted components that recognise both theoretical knowledge and practical creativity.

• Theory Knowledge Checks – short assessments exploring engineering principles, materials, processes, and sector understanding.
• End of unit assessment.

Year 9: Machinery skills, Working drawings, Design Development, Prototyping, Material Properties and Mechanical Devices.

Year 10: Mock NEA.  

Written Examination – 50%

Students complete a 2‑hour written exam at the end of Year 11. The paper tests their understanding of:

• Core Technical Principles – materials, processes, energy, emerging technologies
• Specialist Technical Principles – in-depth knowledge linked to their chosen material area
• Designing & Making Principles – design process, user needs, evaluation, sustainability

The exam includes multiple‑choice questions, short responses and extended written answers that encourage students to apply their knowledge to real‑world design problems.

Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA) – 50%

The NEA is a substantial design-and-make project carried out over 30–35 hours in Year 11. Each year AQA provides a set of contextual challenges, and students choose one as the focus of their project.

Students produce a portfolio and a final prototype, demonstrating the full design process:

• Investigating design possibilities
• Writing a design brief and specification
• Generating imaginative design ideas
• Developing ideas through modelling and testing
• Manufacturing a final prototype
• Evaluating performance against the brief

This component celebrates creativity, technical skill, problem‑solving and independence.

what is the IMPACT of our work

Examples of Keystage 3 Pull-along toy

Example of Keystage 3 Materials key fob project
 

See the gallery below to see more examples of our Year 10 (2024/25) lamp projects. 

Cultural Capital in Design Technology at All Saints Academy

Design Technology at All Saints Academy provides students with a rich variety of cultural, creative and practical experiences that broaden their understanding of the designed world and prepare them to take their place as confident, informed and compassionate citizens.

Exploring designers, artists and architects

Students study a wide range of influential chefs, cooks, artists, designers and architects, helping them understand how design has shaped the products, systems and environments around us. This exposure broadens students’ cultural awareness and supports their ability to critique and appreciate creative work.
 

Understanding materials, cultures and user needs

Through projects involving materials, ingredients, components, modelling and prototyping, students learn how different cultures, users and communities influence design choices. They explore how products respond to the needs of real people, making connections to society, sustainability and global diversity.
 

Experiencing real‑world design and making

Students use CAD/CAM, modelling, sketching and workshop tools to bring ideas to life. These hands‑on experiences develop technical confidence and help students understand industry‑standard processes. Practical work builds problem‑solving ability, independence and resilience—essential skills for future study and employment.
 

Gaining insight into future careers

DT at All Saints introduces students to a wide range of careers in design, engineering, manufacturing, architecture and creative industries. By highlighting different job roles and pathways, the curriculum nurtures ambition and helps students see how their DT skills connect to the world beyond school.
 

Developing character through creativity and problem‑solving

Design Technology provides frequent opportunities to work collaboratively, think critically and respond creatively to challenges. Students learn perseverance through iterative design, responsibility through safe workshop practice and empathy through designing for diverse users. These experiences strengthen character and build confidence.

Contributing to whole‑school cultural capital development

As part of the Technologies Faculty, DT supports the wider academy commitment to providing experiences that shape personal development and KS3–KS4 progression—reflecting the academy’s vision, character expectations and inclusive approach to cultural capital.
 

DT Prefect

UPDATE DUE SUMMER 2026.

how to help your child at home

GCSE Vocabulary: https://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology/teach/subject-specific-vocabulary

GCSE Command Words: https://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/design-and-technology/teach/command-words

Knowledge Organisers (used for termly MoR)

Year 7

FoodEngineering

Materials

Year 8

Food

Engineering

Materials