Design and Technology builds on the skills and knowledge pupils have already learnt at primary school. At Sutton Grammar School we use increasingly sophisticated resources, including dedicated teaching environments, manufacturing equipment and specialist teaching. As students progress through key stages 3, 4 and 5 they are given the opportunity to focus on specific aspects of the subject such as product design and Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM). Creativity, imagination, health and safety and sustainable designing integral aspects of Design and Technology at Sutton Grammar School. Students learn to design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. To do this effectively, they acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on additional disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.
Design and Technology is a practical and valuable subject. It enables children and young people to actively contribute to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of themselves, their community and their nation. It teaches how to take risks and become more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable. Students develop a critical understanding of the impact of Design and Technology on daily life and the wider world. Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities for students to develop and apply value judgments of an aesthetic, economic, moral, social, and technical nature both in their designs and when evaluating the work of others.
Contact Head of Design & Technology
Key stage 3 Design and Technology aims to promote safe working practices, creativity, knowledge and skills development. Pupils will also learn how to design and make products with the environment and sustainability as high priorities. Projects are regularly reviewed to make the best use of available resources and advances in technology. Current projects are detailed below.
Napkin Ring/Egg Cup/Coaster
This project introduces students to working with resistant materials, traditional woodworking tools/machinery and flat-packed technology. They are encouraged to produce original design ideas which must be based on a fun theme of their choice.
Acrylic Maze Game
Pupils will be making a maze game that features the Sutton Grammar School, owl logo, using acrylic sheets. The shape will be designed and manufactured using hand tools by the students and should be based on being a marketable product. Accuracy and a good finish is very important for good marks. Some parts will be made with the use of CAD/CAM.
Multi-Jointed Box
Pupils will be making a box, joined together with a variety of joints, from resistant materials and manufactured by hand using hand tools and traditional woodworking methods. This project is designed to give pupils an introduction to working with plywood and pine.
Pupils will learn about tools for cutting and shaping wood-based materials, building on the skills learnt throughout the year.
Pewter Cast Jewellery Project
Pupils will be introduced to jewellery making and using the technique of pewter casting. Pupils will learn about what pewter is, its history and what it is used for. They will then experiment with pewter before designing and making their own pewter cast pendant.
This exciting project introduces students to casting using molten metal using a range of methods and techniques. Students will be using a wide range of metal working tools and equipment throughout the manufacturing process.
Clock
Students will be making a 3D clock using Medium Density Fibreboard and sheet acrylic. The shape will be designed by students and developed using CAD software. Designed and manufactured using laser cutting technology. The final design should demonstrate an awareness to be conscious of the environment. Pupils will also learn methods of joining and shaping thermoplastics and MDF and finishing techniques.
Specification – Eduqas – Design and Technology (C600QS)
Who this course is suitable for
This course is ideal for students who enjoy designing, problem-solving, and creating practical solutions. It suits those interested in combining creativity with technical knowledge and those who are curious about the impact of design and technology in the modern world. If you are passionate about working with different materials and tools, and you enjoy innovative thinking, GCSE Design and Technology will provide an exciting and hands-on learning experience. There will be an expectation that students attend out-of-hours sessions.
What you will learn
The course introduces students to designing and making products or systems using a range of materials, including woods, metals, and plastics. You will learn about computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), sustainability, and the environmental impact of design. Students will also explore historical, social, and economic influences on design, as well as gain an understanding of engineering principles and electronics. Through hands-on projects, you will develop fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and a keen eye for detail.
How you will learn
Learning is a mix of theory and practical work. In Year 10, you will complete small projects to explore a variety of materials and processes, such as pewter casting, laminating, laser cutting, CNC routing, and plastic moulding. You will also learn to work with systems to control lighting and other outputs. In Year 11, the focus shifts to a major project based on a contextual challenge, where you will research, design, plan, and manufacture a product for a specific client. Throughout the course, you will participate in competitions and collaborate on design briefs to gain real-world experience.
What you will need to bring
Students will need standard stationery equipment, such as pencils and rulers, for designing and making projects. Access to a computer for CAD work and research will be beneficial. A willingness to experiment, solve problems independently, and meet project deadlines is essential for success in this course.
How you will be assessed
Assessment consists of two components:
- Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) (50%): This is a coursework project completed in Year 11. It involves identifying a product to design, research, and manufacture for a specific client. The NEA is based on the contextual challenge set by the exam board.
- Written Examination (50%): A 2-hour written exam testing your knowledge of materials, processes, and the theory behind design and technology. This includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions.
Where next
GCSE Design and Technology provides a pathway to A-levels in Product Design, Engineering, and related fields. It is a strong foundation for careers in engineering, architecture, product design, furniture design, electronics, jewellery making, and more. The skills you develop in problem-solving, creativity, and technical knowledge are highly transferable and valued across many industries.
Specification – Eduqas – Design and Technology (603/1178/2)
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for students who are interested in exploring how product designers and engineers create innovative solutions. It is particularly suited for students aiming for careers in design, engineering, architecture, or related fields that require a blend of creativity and analytical thinking. This course is suitable for students who have achieved grades 9 to 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) Design and Technology.
What you will learn
The course covers a wide range of topics essential for product design, including materials, manufacturing techniques, design history, human factors, ergonomics, and sustainable production.
Key areas of study include:
- Materials and Manufacturing Techniques
- Design History and Innovation
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Sustainable Production and Resource Management
- Prototyping and Modelling
The course is split between theory lessons and practical assignments, using workshop facilities such as laser cutters and CNC machines, while incorporating CAD skills in all aspects of the course. You will also complete a major design project as part of the Non-Examined Assessment (NEA).
How you will learn
You will develop your design skills through a combination of practical workshops, theory-based lessons, and hands-on projects. The Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) allows you to independently manage a design project from research and investigation to the final product and project folder. Throughout the course, you will use a systematic approach to problem solving, supported by cutting-edge design technologies and tools. There is an expectation that students will attend out-of-hours enhancement sessions to facilitate success on the course.
What you will need to bring
A sketchbook or design notebook to document ideas, research, and development is essential. Basic drawing and modelling tools will be helpful for project work, and familiarity with CAD software will also be an advantage.
How you will be assessed
The course is evenly split between a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) and a written theory exam:
- Component 1: Written Examination (50%) – A 3-hour exam covering technical principles, design principles, and analysis of wider design issues.
- Component 2: NEA (50%) – A design and make project based on a brief that you will develop. You will design, develop, prototype, and evaluate your project over approximately 80 hours.
Where next
A Level Product Design provides an excellent foundation for university courses and careers in engineering, product design, industrial design, architecture, and related fields. Students will gain transferable skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and design management, making them attractive candidates for a variety of professions.