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Rooks Heath School

Rooks Heath School

Strive to be your best

Design & Technology

Overview 

The KS3 Design and Technology curriculum is designed to develop students’ creativity, practical skills and technical understanding through a structured programme of engaging, hands-on projects across Years 7 to 9. Students begin by learning essential workshop safety and basic making skills, progressing to more complex design challenges that incorporate a range of materials including wood, plastics and textiles. Throughout the three years, learners build confidence in technical drawing techniques such as isometric, perspective and orthographic projection, while applying the iterative design process to create functional and aesthetically informed products. Projects are carefully sequenced to develop independence, problem-solving abilities and an understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes and design influences, including contemporary designers and movements. By the end of KS3, students are equipped with the foundational knowledge, skills and creative confidence required for further study in Design and Technology.  

Curriculum Intent 

The department aims to: 

  • Inspire creativity, curiosity and innovation through practical design and making experiences. 

  • Develop students’ ability to solve real-world problems through iterative design processes. 

  • Build confidence in using tools, equipment and materials safely and independently. 

  • Encourage critical thinking through evaluation and refinement of ideas and products. 

  • Foster an appreciation of sustainability, aesthetics and functionality in design. 

  • Prepare students with core skills and knowledge for further study at KS4 and beyond. 

Students will: 

  • Demonstrate creativity, curiosity and innovation by producing original design ideas and confidently exploring a range of materials, techniques and technologies in response to design briefs.  

  • Apply the design process to solve real-world problems, showing resilience by testing, evaluating and refining their ideas before producing successful outcomes.  

  • Develop practical competence and independence, using tools, machinery and equipment safely, accurately and confidently while following workshop procedures and health and safety expectations.  

  • Think critically about their work and the work of others, using evaluation to identify strengths, areas for improvement and justify design decisions throughout the design and making process.  

  • Make informed design choices by considering sustainability, environmental impact, aesthetics, user needs and functionality when designing and manufacturing products.  

  • Build the knowledge, technical skills and confidence required for future learning, providing a secure foundation for GCSE Design and Technology and equipping students with transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving and resilience that support success beyond the classroom. 

Key knowledge includes: 

  • Health and safety practices within a workshop environment. 

  • Properties and uses of materials (woods, plastics, textiles). 

  • Technical drawing methods (isometric, orthographic, perspective). 

  • Design processes (research, ideation, development, evaluation). 

  • Mechanisms and simple systems (e.g. pop-up mechanisms). 

  • Construction techniques and processes (cutting, shaping, joining, finishing). 

  • Influential designers and design movements (e.g. Memphis design, Holly Levell inspiration). 

  • Sustainability considerations in design. 

Key skills include: 

Students will develop: 

  • Practical workshop skills (accurate measuring, cutting, shaping and assembling). 

  • Safe use of tools (coping saw, tenon saw, textiles equipment). 

  • Drawing and visual communication skills. 

  • Creative problem-solving and idea generation. 

  • Modelling and prototyping techniques. 

  • Evaluating and improving designs. 

  • Time management and independent working. 

  • Communication of design ideas using annotated sketches and technical drawings. 

Curriculum Implementation 

Teaching Approach 

  • A project-based learning approach focused on “design, make, evaluate”. 

  • Teacher modelling of key skills and techniques. 

  • Scaffolded progression from guided tasks to more independent work. 

  • Use of demonstrations, exemplars and iterative feedback. 

  • Integration of theory into practical learning. 

Sequencing of Learning 

  • Learning is carefully sequenced to build from basic skills in Year 7 towards more complex design challenges in Year 9. 

  • Projects are structured to progressively develop technical understanding, creativity and independence. 

  • Revisit and reinforce core concepts such as drawing, materials and safety across all three years. 

Assessment 

  • Formative assessment through ongoing teacher feedback during projects. 

  • Summative assessment at the end of each project based on:  

  • Designing 

  • Making 

  • Evaluating 

  • Use of peer and self-assessment to encourage reflection. 

  • Assessment criteria aligned with KS3 D&T expectations. 

  • Written End of Year Exam 

Curriculum Impact 

Success is measured through: 

  • Increasing confidence and competence in practical making skills. 

  • Progression in technical drawing and design communication. 

  • Independence in planning and completing projects. 

  • Understanding of how design influences everyday products and environments. 

  • Being prepared with foundational knowledge and skills for GCSE Design & Technology. 

Textbooks (recommended) 

  • Design and Technology KS3: Workbook – CGP Books 

  • KS3 Design & Technology Complete Study & Practice – CGP 

  • Understanding Design and Technology – Andy Kerr 

  • Design and Technology: A Foundation Course – Paul Anderson 

Useful Websites 

Enrichment 

  • Clubs – Lego and DT