Design and Technology
Design and Technology
At Trinity, Design and Technology is a practical, creative and inspiring subject that equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly technological world. Drawing upon disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, science, computing and art, students learn to identify problems, develop innovative solutions and create high-quality products through an iterative design process.
Design and Technology encourages students to think creatively, work independently and collaboratively, and develop practical skills that are highly valued in further education and employment. Throughout their studies, students explore sustainability, user-centred design, manufacturing processes and emerging technologies, preparing them for the challenges of the modern world.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, students rotate through a range of Design and Technology disciplines, developing practical skills alongside creativity, problem-solving and technical knowledge.
Product Design and Resistant Materials
Students develop their understanding of design, materials and manufacturing through a variety of practical projects.
In Year 7, students design and manufacture a maze game inspired by the Art Deco or Art Nouveau movements, learning safe workshop practices whilst developing skills in designing, modelling and making.
In Year 8, students build on these skills by designing and constructing a sustainable bug hotel, exploring biodiversity and environmental responsibility whilst developing more advanced woodworking and joinery techniques.
In Year 9, students investigate ergonomics, anthropometrics and electronics through the design and manufacture of a handheld polymer torch. This project develops their understanding of user-centred design, electronic systems and manufacturing techniques whilst encouraging them to apply technical knowledge to solve real-world design challenges.
Textile Design
Students learn a range of textile techniques, including machine sewing, appliqué, printing and embroidery.
In Year 7, students design and make a pencil case inspired by the Memphis Milano design movement, introducing them to textile construction techniques, creative design development and surface decoration.
In Year 8, students build on these skills by designing and making a sustainable drawstring bag inspired by a design movement of their choice. This project encourages students to consider sustainability, material selection and the environmental impact of products whilst further developing their confidence in designing and manufacturing textile products.
Graphics
In Year 9, students develop graphical communication skills through a range of design-based projects. They learn technical drawing techniques, rendering methods and presentation skills, enabling them to communicate design ideas clearly, accurately and professionally. Students explore how graphical communication supports the design process and develop the skills required to communicate ideas effectively for a range of design contexts.
Food
Students develop essential cooking skills alongside an understanding of nutrition, food safety and healthy eating through a range of practical activities.
In Year 7, students learn safe kitchen practices, knife skills and food preparation techniques whilst preparing a range of dishes.
In Year 8, students explore healthy eating through the Eatwell Guide, gaining an understanding of balanced diets, nutrition and food choices.
In Year 9, as their confidence grows, students refine their practical skills and develop a deeper understanding of nutrition through increasingly challenging cooking activities.
Key Stage 4 Pathways
Following Key Stage 3, students can choose from a range of specialist pathways.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology
GCSE Design and Technology prepares students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students develop a broad understanding of core technical principles, specialist materials and manufacturing processes whilst considering historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design.
Students complete a substantial non-exam assessment (NEA), following a rigorous design process from identifying a design opportunity through research, design development, modelling, manufacture and evaluation. Alongside practical work, students study a range of design theory and technical principles, which are assessed through a written examination.
Projects include product design, graphical communication, timber construction and prototype manufacture, enabling students to develop creativity, resilience and practical expertise.
WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering
The WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering is a practical and engaging course for students interested in the hospitality, catering and food industries. It develops key skills in food preparation, nutrition, health and safety, and the operation of hospitality and catering businesses.
The qualification provides an excellent foundation for further education, apprenticeships and careers within the industry, including roles such as chef, catering assistant, hotel manager, restaurant manager and food technologist.
By completing this course, students gain a recognised qualification and valuable practical skills that prepare them for future study and employment in this exciting and diverse sector.
Sixth Form
AQA A Level Product Design
A Level Product Design is a creative and intellectually challenging qualification that develops students' ability to design and manufacture innovative products. Students investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design whilst developing advanced knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes and design theory.
The course encourages independent thinking, creativity and problem-solving through a combination of theoretical study and practical project work. Students design and manufacture a substantial prototype as part of their coursework and gain a strong understanding of the role of designers in modern society.
The qualification provides excellent preparation for university courses and careers in product design, engineering, architecture, manufacturing and other creative industries.
Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification in Food Science and Nutrition (Extended Certificate)
Food Science and Nutrition is an engaging course for students with an interest in food, nutrition, health and the food industry. The qualification combines scientific knowledge with practical application, enabling students to explore the relationship between food, nutrition and human health.
Students develop a range of skills, including nutritional analysis, food science investigations, research, problem-solving and practical food preparation. They also gain an understanding of current issues within the food industry and the role of nutrition in promoting health and wellbeing.
This qualification provides an excellent foundation for progression to higher education, apprenticeships and careers in areas such as nutrition, dietetics, food science, food technology, public health, hospitality and the wider food industry. By completing the course, students gain valuable knowledge and transferable skills that support both university study and future employment.
Inclusion in Design and Technology at Trinity
The Design and Technology Department is committed to delivering an inclusive, engaging and practical curriculum that enables all students to develop creativity, problem-solving, resilience and technical skills. Through designing, making and evaluating, students gain the knowledge, confidence and independence needed to become successful learners and informed designers.
In line with the Ofsted framework, all students access the same broad and ambitious curriculum, with appropriate support and adaptation to ensure success. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge, practical competence and design thinking over time, preparing students for progression to GCSE Design and Technology, the Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering, A Level Product Design and the Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification in Food Science and Nutrition.
Design and Technology lessons at Trinity are planned and delivered with effective provision to make learning accessible for SEND and disadvantaged learners, enabling them to make equal progress alongside their peers. SEND information, including student passports and Mainstream Core Standards guidance, is used carefully to inform planning, teaching and intervention, ensuring that barriers to learning are identified and reduced.
Teachers embed inclusive practice through thoughtful seating plans, clear routines and structured learning environments. Resources are designed to be accessible through the use of visual aids, modelling, dual coding and scaffolded instructional guides that break practical tasks into clear, manageable stages. These guides use images and concise explanations to support understanding and independence during practical work.
Practical activities are adapted where necessary to remove barriers to learning whilst maintaining high expectations. Our technicians provide additional one-to-one support when required, enabling students to access specialist equipment, develop practical skills safely and achieve the intended learning outcomes alongside their peers.
As a department, we are committed to continually developing our inclusive practice through collaboration, evidence-informed teaching and responsive curriculum design. Our aim is to ensure that every student can participate fully, achieve success and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for further study and future careers within design, engineering, manufacturing and the food industry.
