Design and Technology is about identifying needs, research and generating ideas, planning, making and testing to find the best possible solutions.

The overall aim of the department is to place the greatest value on each pupil and treat him/her accordingly.
Assessment is based around six aspects:

• Identifying and clarifying tasks
• Investigating and research
• Generating and developing solutions
• Planning
• Making
• Appraising, testing and evaluation.

All pupils in year 7, 8 and 9 follow a 12 week course, two lessons a week for Textiles and two for Food Technology.

Textiles

In textiles the students learn how to use Bondaweb, appliqué, ironing, patchwork, stencilling and pattern making techniques to create fabric designs and items. They also learn how to use a sewing machine.
In year 7 the students make a wall hanging and in year 8 they make a patchwork cushion. Year 9’s dye their own material and then make either shorts, a waistcoat, a T-shirt or wrap around skirt.
Textiles is not offered at GCSE.

Food Technology

In Food Technology the first three years provide a sound basis should pupils decide to study for GCSE. They are given a good foundation in nutrition, with the emphasis on healthy eating and practical skills. Pupils work in pairs, sharing a table sink and cooker .
The average class size is 12.

The AQA GCSE exam is a 2 year course. In Year 10 the emphasis is on learning the techniques needed to complete the course work which is started at the end of the first year. Course work is 60% of the final grade and a 2 hour exam in Year 11 consists of the remainding 40%.
For the GCSE course work pupils investigate a need, or respond to an opportunity to make or modify a product. Food Technology draws on knowledge and skills from many subjects. Pupils use their knowledge to devise a method or solution, realise it practically and evaluate decisions taken during the process and the end product.

Many practical skills are learnt in this 2 year course.