Welcome to Design & Technology

Design and Technology give pupils of all ages the opportunities to explore ideas and design and make things that solve problems. Pupils will learn to use tools and equipment to create designs and to work with a wide range of materials. Design and Technology is a subject that integrates science, mathematics, art, computing, and engineering by providing pupils with the chance to bring the concepts taught into reality. By studying design and technology, you'll be able to build up your creativity, problem solving, planning, and evaluation skills. Many of our projects are done via group work and this also helps our pupils to improve their communication and teamwork skills. 

Key Stage 3: 

At Key Stage 3 we utilise a project-based learning (PBL) approach in Design and Technology: this is a inquiry-based and student-centred learning method that drives student learning by engaging them in real-world, meaningful projects.

In PBL, students work in groups over a set period on a project designed to solve a genuine problem or design brief. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a product for a particular target group under predetermined specifications.  

We utilise an iterative design process strategy to teach our projects, which is inspired by our National Curriculum. This teaches the pupils transferable skills and content that we can utilise in Key Stage 4. Our aim at Ark Elvin Academy is to provide projects that will help pupils to consider and appreciate their own and others' needs, wants, and values. 

In Design and Technology, we teach a board range of subjects including Textiles, Resistant Materials, Graphics and Food Technology. This enables pupils to explore and pursue careers they are passionate about.   

Key Stage 4: 

Pupils study AQA Design & Technology. There is emphasis on increasingly refined practical, designing and making alongside technical aspects of the disciplines and sustainability.

In AQA Design and Technology, pupils complete a different design challenge each year: at Key Stage 4 pupils design and invent innovate products.

At Ark Elvin Academy, pupils learn about core principles and how to work with fabrics, timbers, polymers, graphics, smart materials, and CAD/CAM as well as having the opportunity to work with different materials. Pupils design and make prototypes that solve relevant real-world problems, preparing our learners to become critical and creative designers, engineers, and consumers of the future. 

Pupils can embark on further educational and careers in Design and Technology:  

Food Technology: Food technologist, naturopath, nutritional therapist, product/process development scientist, quality manager, scientific laboratory technician, Chefs and many more. 

Design and Technology: Architects, fashion buyer and designers, tailor, product designer, architect, software engineer, civil engineer, carpenter and many more. 

All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject: PSHE   

All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject: PSHE   

All Year 9 subjects  Next Year 9 Subject: PSHE   

All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Sociology

All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Sociology