Design Technology

Introduction

Our Design Technology curriculum at KPHS is designed to equip students with the confidence, creativity and curiosity needed to thrive both in school and beyond. Across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, students develop practical, technical and problem-solving skills through engaging projects linked to Design Technology, Construction, Engineering and STEM. The curriculum encourages students to understand how products are designed and manufactured with purpose, while inspiring them to become innovative thinkers who can improve the world around them. 

Through carefully sequenced schemes of learning, students gain experience in researching, designing, prototyping and manufacturing products using a range of materials, tools and digital technologies. Students develop practical workshop skills alongside knowledge of materials theory, CAD, design concepts and health and safety. Projects such as the Clock Project, Windchime Project, Tidy Box Project and Mug Project allow students to apply creative and technical knowledge to produce high-quality outcomes while developing resilience, independence and attention to detail. 

Engineering and STEM projects encourage students to investigate real-world problems and understand how design can positively impact society. Through projects such as the Disaster Relief Project, students develop teamwork, budgeting, research and prototyping skills while considering how engineering solutions can support communities facing global challenges. Students also participate in engineering competitions where they apply design concepts and prototyping skills to create innovative solutions to authentic industry-based briefs. 

The curriculum promotes strong links to careers and industry by exposing students to a wide range of opportunities within engineering, manufacturing, construction and creative industries. Students explore careers including Design Engineer, Structural Engineer, Marine Engineer, Health and Safety Officer and Environmental Health Practitioner. Through learning about production methods, risk management and workplace safety, students understand the importance of problem-solving, perseverance and adaptability within professional environments. 

We aim to foster resilience by helping students understand that successful design is an iterative process requiring reflection, refinement and perseverance. Through creativity, technical challenge and collaboration, students leave KPHS with the confidence and transferable skills needed for further education, future careers and life beyond school. 

How Design Technology Supports Our School Values

We Co-operate
Design Technology at KPHS encourages students to work collaboratively through shared design challenges, practical workshop activities and STEM projects. Students develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills while learning to share ideas, evaluate solutions and support one another to achieve successful outcomes. 

We Pioneer
Our KPHS curriculum inspires students to become innovative thinkers who are willing to take creative risks and solve real-world problems. Through engineering competitions, prototyping and design challenges, students develop curiosity, resilience and the confidence to refine and improve their ideas. 

We Belong
Design Technology provides an inclusive environment where every student can experience success through creativity, practical learning and teamwork. By exploring projects connected to real-life industries and global challenges, students understand the value of their ideas and recognise how they can contribute positively to the wider-world. 

What our students say…

"I enjoy Technology because I like the different projects that we are able to do as well as the different ways we can express ourselves and our creativity within lessons." 

"I like learning new skills and having the opportunity to be seen through our creativity and doing competitions! I like how we have the chance to make stuff and learn more skills and how to use them." 

"The thing I enjoy about Technology is that it gives you skills that you will use in future life and it is a way for me to start on my way to be an Engineer."

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in Design Technology

Studying Technology develops problem-solving, creativity, project planning, communication, and practical skills. Students learn to design, make, and evaluate products while considering user needs, safety, and real-world constraints—skills that are highly valued in careers that combine innovation, technical knowledge, and applied problem-solving.

Career Areas Linked to Technology:

• Engineering & Product Design – applying problem-solving, technical knowledge, and creativity to develop innovative solutions and design products for real-world use.
• Manufacturing & Production – using practical skills, attention to detail, and process planning to produce goods efficiently and safely across industries.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Management – evaluating risk, applying safety standards, and managing projects in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare contexts.
• Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship – combining design thinking, user-focused solutions, and project management skills to launch products, develop brands, and manage operations.
• Disaster Response, Humanitarian & Global Projects – applying design, problem-solving, and project planning to real-world scenarios such as disaster relief, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

For more information about careers linked to Technology, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cvpqdxxd824t