Design Technology
Design Technology and Food Technology
Welcome to Design & Technology (D&T) at The Angmering School, where our curriculum is proudly shaped by our school values of Ambition, Respect, and Courage. We aim to give students a broad knowledge and understanding of vital life skills through the application of design and technology principles. Students will have opportunities to explore tools, equipment, and techniques throughout the various disciplines of technology. They will be challenged to try new things, think creatively, and gain an awareness and appreciation of the world around them. Our subjects are designed to develop everyday skills that can be applied to all situations in their day-to-day lives, also providing them with knowledge and skills which can lead directly to future careers. Our practical tasks develop transferable skills in analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving, leading to resilient individuals who can confidently navigate and shape our fast-changing world. Design and technology equips students with the practical skills, analytical mindset, and creative confidence necessary to thrive in tomorrow's workforce.
Our exciting curriculum fully covers the National Curriculum, taking students on a structured journey through Design Technology and Food Technology. Throughout their time with us, students will learn how things work, what materials are best for the job, and how to create and cook nutritional meals. They will develop brilliant hands-on skills, moving from traditional hand tools and kitchen equipment to mastering modern digital technology like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and modelling. Beyond just making items, we open the students eyes to the wider world by exploring famous design movements and diverse food cultures from around the globe. We love connecting what they do in class to rewarding future pathways, demystifying careers in fields like engineering, architecture, product design, and food science.
We firmly believe that creativity has no barriers, and our department is a welcoming, inclusive space engineered to bring out the best in every single student. Our curriculum is intentionally designed to support all learners, including those with SEND or disadvantaged backgrounds, by breaking down complicated projects into manageable steps, using adaptive teaching methods, and ensuring every child has equal access to high-quality tools and materials. Ultimately, we want to give every student at Angmering the personal independence, critical thinking, and practical confidence to look at any object, system, or meal in the world and proudly say that they know exactly how it was made, and they know how to make it even better.
Students say…
‘I think it’s really fun because you do lots of practical work, lots of drawing and use loads of different materials.’
‘I have had such fun this year and learnt so many new techniques. I have enjoyed making products that work and
producing a sketchbook showing my thinking and progress.’
‘I really like the fact that I get to try out new dishes and recipes.’
‘This course has helped me decide I want to pursue a career in the Hospitality industry.’
What are the key features of the programmes of study?
Students learn about all aspects of the design process from generating and modelling innovative ideas, to making and evaluating products and considering the work of professional designers. At Key Stage 3, they develop their knowledge, skills and understanding through a range of design & make projects. By the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 9), all students will have developed a range of skills in each of the Design & Technology areas, Food Technology, Engineering, Architecture & interior design and 3D Product Design.
What will my child study in year 7?
- Graphical skills, 3D drawing & CAD
- CAD/CAM project - making a maze
- Workshop skills - boat project
- Textiles - pencil / phone case
- Animal shelter Project
In addition to the Design technology carousel, students will learn food technology every week. This will compass a range of cooking skills, a range of equipment and focus on healthy eating/nutrition. Students will be taught a demonstration and cook the recipe the following lesson. They can take the dish home to enjoy with their families.
What will my child study in year 8?
Students are taught modules as part of a carousel system in a range of technology areas: Engineering, Design, Product Design and Food Technology. 3hrs per fortnight for 1/5 of the year.
- Mechanical / linkage toy
- Design and make Wall-E
- Engineering Drawing / glasses holder
- Practical food lessons
What will my child study in year 9?
Students opt for 3 out of Food, Graphics, Product design, Engineering:
- Shepherds hut
- Designer research and themed clock
- Technical Drawing & tool box
- Advanced food skills
How are the groups organised?
Groups are all mixed ability.
What equipment is needed?
Basic drawing equipment is needed for DT and for food technology they are required to bring in a container. We do ask for a contribution towards the cost of Design and Technology materials in KS3 other than in Food Technology where students pay for ingredients for practical lessons via Parent Pay. In return, students can keep any practical work that they make.
What assessment is used? (formative and summative)
Our assessment process is designed to celebrate your child's hard work while giving them clear, actionable steps to improve. Students are assessed against a series of clear standards, which happens both through everyday formative assessment during each topic and via summative assessments at the end of each Technology module. Throughout their practical work and design projects, teachers provide ongoing, friendly feedback to guide students in the moment. At the end of a module, they are awarded an effort grade and given a written target, which ensures a smooth transition and steady progress as they move between different Technology areas. To keep you clearly informed of their journey, interim reports are produced three times a year, and home learning is also regularly graded to reinforce what they are learning in class. Ultimately, this balanced approach to assessment ensures every student knows their strengths, understands their next steps, and feels motivated to succeed.
How do you give feedback to students?
In our workshops and kitchens, learning happens in real time, which means feedback does too. Because Design & Technology is a highly practical subject, verbal feedback is our most powerful tool for helping students progress. Instead of making a student wait until a project is finished to find out how they did, teachers continuously circulate the room during practical sessions to offer immediate, live guidance. This "over-the-shoulder" feedback allows us to praise good technique on the spot, gently correct safety or technical errors before they become habits, and ask probing questions that challenge students to think critically about their design choices. Whether it is helping a student adjust their grip on a tool, discussing how to refine a digital CAD drawing, or advising on the texture of a sauce, this ongoing dialogue keeps lessons dynamic and ensures that every student receives personalized support exactly when they need it most.
What course(s) is/are offered?
At Angmering we offer a range of different courses;
3D Product Design
Architecture and Interior Design
Engineering
Hospitality and Catering
3D Product Design AQA 8205
This dynamic, creative, and highly successful course offers valuable foundational knowledge for a wide range of future career paths. Students will investigate diverse design contexts, focusing on the conceptualization, modelling, and manufacturing of physical products.
Throughout the course, students will be introduced to core industry practices, including designing for a specific purpose, product analysis, design theory, and critical evaluation. They will study influential designers, design firms, and artists to understand their impact on the modern world and draw inspiration from their work. Ultimately, this course challenges students to communicate innovative ideas and solve real-world design problems through tangible, practical outcomes.
The full course specification and assessment objectives can be accessed directly on the official exam board website:
AQA Art and Design Specification.
What will my child study in year 10?
Project 1: Skills-Based Technical Training (Drawing, CAD & Modelling)
Students will focus on core skill development, engaging in specialized design-and-make activities to strengthen their technical knowledge and practical capabilities.
Project 2: Thematic Design Project (Designer-Inspired Lighting Project)
Taking inspiration from established designers, students will navigate the complete design cycle to produce a functional lamp. Key objectives include:
- Conducting detailed contextual research into prominent designers and artists.
- Developing technical drawing skills, including freehand sketching and Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
- Executing material experimentation and physical model making.
- Iterating and developing original design concepts.
- Manufacturing the final product.
What will my child study in year 11?
Component 2: Externally-Set Assignment
Students will undertake a structured project over a 10-week period, selecting from seven themes provided directly by the AQA exam board. Essential tasks include:
- Researching the chosen theme and analyzing relevant artistic and design influences.
- Utilizing drawing, CAD, material testing, and physical prototyping.
- Developing a unique, original concept based on their independent research.
- Fabricating a high-quality final product.
The course culminates in a two-day practical examination. This assessment provides students with an opportunity to apply their accumulated skills and knowledge, demonstrating their ability to develop a design theme imaginatively and independently.
How is the course assessed?
The GCSE is divided into two distinct components:
- Component 1: Portfolio / Coursework (60% of final grade): A comprehensive body of work demonstrating the student's ability to research, sketch, utilize CAD, prototype, and manufacture final design pieces.
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Component 2: Externally-Set Assignment (40% of final grade): A project based on an exam-board-specified theme. Students will produce a supporting sketchbook over a 10-week preparation period, followed by a two-day practical exam to manufacture their finalized design.
Architecture and Interior Design AQA 8205
This dynamic, creative, and highly successful course offers valuable foundational knowledge for future careers in architecture, structural engineering, and spatial design. Students will investigate diverse architectural contexts, focusing on the conceptualization and structural modelling of built environments and physical structures.
Throughout the course, students will be introduced to core industry practices, including designing for a specific site or purpose, structural analysis, architectural theory, and critical evaluation. They will study influential architects, design firms, and movements to understand how the built environment impacts the modern world and draw inspiration from their work. Ultimately, this course challenges students to communicate innovative spatial ideas and solve real-world architectural design problems through tangible, physical scale models.
The full course specification and assessment objectives can be accessed directly on the official exam board website:
AQA Art and Design Specification.
What will my child study in year 10?
Project 1: Foundational Architectural Skills (Orthographic Drawing, CAD & Scale Modeling)
Students will focus on core architectural drawing and software skills, engaging in specialized design-and-make activities to strengthen their technical knowledge of form, space, and structural scale.
Project 2: Architectural Theme Project
Taking inspiration from established architects and design movements, students will navigate the complete architectural design cycle to propose a functional space or structural installation. Key objectives include:
- Conducting detailed contextual research into prominent architects, structural engineers, and design philosophies.
Developing architectural drawing skills, including perspective sketching, blueprinted layouts, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD/BIM software concepts). - Executing structural material experimentation and physical scale-model making.
- Iterating and developing original architectural concepts based on site and user needs.
- Fabricating a final architectural model or structural prototype.
What will my child study in year 11?
Component 2: Externally-Set Assignment
Students will undertake a structured project over a 10-week period, selecting from seven themes provided directly by the AQA exam board, which they can approach through an architectural lens. Essential tasks include:
- Researching the chosen spatial theme and analyzing relevant artistic and architectural influences.
- Utilizing site analysis, technical drawing, CAD, material testing, and physical prototyping.
- Developing a unique, original architectural or spatial concept based on their independent research.
- Fabricating a high-quality final scale model or structural element.
The course culminates in a two-day practical examination. This assessment provides students with an opportunity to apply their accumulated drafting and modeling skills, demonstrating their ability to develop an architectural theme imaginatively and independently under timed studio conditions.
How is the course assessed?
The GCSE is divided into two distinct components:
- Component 1: Portfolio / Coursework (60% of final grade): A comprehensive body of work demonstrating the student's ability to conduct research, design, utilize CAD software, prototype structures, and manufacture finalized scale models.
- Component 2: Externally-Set Assignment (40% of final grade): A project based on an exam-board-specified theme. Students will produce a supporting architectural sketchbook over a 10-week preparation period, followed by a two-day practical exam to construct the final scale model they have designed.
Engineering VCERT NCFE
You can access the full course specification, assessment objectives, and past papers directly on the official exam board website:
What will my child study in year 10?
Pupils will be learning theory for the first 2 terms of year 10, with a small number of practical lessons whilst learning about tools and what they do.
Tasks include:
- Learning engineering disciplines
- Health and safety in the workplace
- Engineering drawing
- Maths and science equations
- Properties of materials
The final term of year 10 and start of year 11 will involve practical activities, problem solving tasks and projects in preparation for the coursework unit.
What will my child study in year 11?
This is set by the exam board and takes place from December of year 11 till the following March.
It is your opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you have learned. It is designed to test your ability to research into a given brief and create a product with a given theme.
Previous themes have included bridges, tool boxes and robotic arms.
How is the course assessed?
The GCSE is divided into two distinct components:
- Component 1: Externally-Set Assignment (60% of final grade): A project based on an exam-board-specified theme. Students will produce a supporting body of work over an 18 hour preparation period where they will research, design, plan and make a prototype.
- Component 2: Externally marked exam (40% of final grade); this will test their critical thinking skills, knowledge and understanding of engineering
Level 1/2 Vocational Award Hospitality and Catering (Technical Award)
This course is a fantastic option for students who have a passion for food, enjoys hands-on learning, or is interested in how the bustling world of restaurants, hotels, and food businesses operates.
Equivalent to a GCSE, this highly practical qualification gives students a deep understanding of the hospitality and catering industry. It doesn't just teach them how to cook; it teaches them how a professional kitchen and business run, all while building vital life skills like time management, planning, and teamwork.
You can access the full course specification, assessment objectives, and past papers directly on the official exam board website:
What Will My Child Study in year 10?
The course is split into two compulsory units that combine classroom learning with real-world, practical kitchen experience.
Unit 1: The Hospitality & Catering Industry (40% of overall grade)
This unit is all about the theory behind the scenes. Students will learn about:
- The Industry: Different types of food and accommodation businesses, how they make a profit, and the huge variety of career paths available.
- Operations: How "Front of House" (serving staff) and "Back of House" (kitchen staff) work together seamlessly.
- Safety First: Critical rules regarding health and safety, food safety, and preventing foodborne illnesses.
Unit 2: Hospitality & Catering in Action (60% of overall grade)
This is where the magic happens in the kitchen. Students will learn how to:
- Understand Nutrition: Plan healthy, balanced menus that cater to different dietary needs, ages, and medical conditions (like food allergies).
- Master Cooking Techniques: Learn professional preparation, cooking, and presentation skills (making their food look as good as it tastes!).
- The Practical Assessment: Plan and cook a two-course meal under timed conditions in response to a specific client brief.
What Will My Child Study in year 11?
They will complete their unit 2 in September until Christmas.
Unit 1 exam will be sat in January or June.
How is the Course Assessed?
Unlike traditional GCSEs which put 100% of the pressure on end-of-year exams, this qualification allows students to showcase their practical talents through coursework.
Unit 1 - Written exam consisting of short and extended-answer questions based on real-life catering scenarios
Unit 2 - Controlled assessment which is a practical coursework project (or "NEA"). Students research, plan a menu, and spend 3 hours cooking their chosen dishes in our school kitchen.
What course(s) is/are offered?
A-Level Art and Design (Three-dimensional design)
You can access the full course specification, assessment objectives, and past papers directly on the official exam board website:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/a-level/art-and-design-7205/specification
What will my child study in year 12?
Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of three-dimensional media, processes and techniques. They will be made aware of both traditional and new media. Students will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. Students may use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work, where appropriate.
Research into Designers & Artists is carried out which is integral to the investigating and making process. Students’ responses to these examples will be shown through practical and critical activities that demonstrate their understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.
The 3D Design course introduces you to a variety of experiences, processes and techniques including:
- Designing in a range of media including CAD (Computer Aided Design)
- Research into designers and artists
- Communication skills
- Modelling in a range of resistant and compliant materials
Students will begin their personal investigation and produce a portfolio of work in addition to a final piece.
What will my child study in year 13?
Students will begin their component 2, exam unit. A project based on an exam-board-specified theme. Students will produce a supporting sketchbook over a 10-week preparation period, followed by a three-day practical exam to manufacture their finalized design.
How is the course assessed?
Component 1: Personal Investigation - No time limit, 96 marks, 60% of A-level
Component 2: Response to an externally set assignment - Preparatory period + 15 hours supervised time, 96 marks, 40% of A-level
Non exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.
What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
3D Design is a useful A level for degrees or future careers in Architecture, Interior Design, Product Design, Engineering, Graphic Design, TV/Theatre/Prop design, Packaging Design, Marketing and Advertising, Jewellery Design and many more.
Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification in Food Science and Nutrition
This new Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications in Food Science and Nutrition equips students with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to progress to higher education. Students will study key topic areas including nutrients and metabolism, food safety and quality, dietary needs across the lifespan, and the impact of food choices on health
You can access the full course specification, assessment objectives, and past papers directly on the official exam board website:
What Will My Child Study in year 12?
UNIT 1: Nutritional Needs Across the Life Stages (mandatory) This unit is an in-depth look at understanding the properties and functions of nutrients, the impact of food production on nutritional value and how dietary requirements vary across different life stages. These topics are directly relevant to human nutrition and food science degrees.
UNIT 2: Developing Practical Food Production Skills (mandatory) Students will apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on environment, learning advanced food preparation techniques while considering nutritional value and dietary needs. These skills mirror practical elements found in undergraduate laboratory-based / practical food science modules.
What Will My Child Study in year 13?
UNIT 3: Principles of Food Hygiene and Food Safety (mandatory) This unit is particularly relevant if students intend to pursue a career involving food technology, quality control and food safety management as it introduces fundamental concepts related to foodborne illnesses, hazard analysis and industry standards.
UNIT 4: Experimenting to solve food production problems (optional) You will develop research and investigative skills, mirroring scientific methodologies used in university-level courses. You will learn how to formulate hypotheses, design and conduct experiments and analyse results.
Students choose between units 4 and 5.
UNIT 5: Current Issues in Food Science and Nutrition (optional) This unit encourages critical thinking and research into contemporary food science challenges, preparing students for research-focused university programmes. You will be assessed through a non-examination assessment (NEA). 12 hours - 25% of qualification - 100marks
How is the Course Assessed?
- Unit 1 - Students will be assessed through a written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes - 25% of qualification.
- Unit 2 - Students will be assessed through a non-examination assessment (NEA). 9 hours 30 minutes - 25% of qualification.
- Unit 3 - Students will be assessed through a written examination. 1 hours 30 minutes - 25% of qualification.
- Unit 4 - Students will be assessed through a non-examination assessment (NEA). 12 hours - 25% of qualification.
- Unit 5 - Students will be assessed through a non-examination assessment (NEA). 12 hours - 25% of qualification.
In our Design and Technology (D&T) department, we are incredibly proud of our team’s diverse expertise. Our teachers bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom—combining backgrounds in industry, design, and manufacturing with a genuine passion for teaching. This depth of knowledge means we can confidently guide students through everything from traditional workshop skills to modern digital tools, ensuring they are always learning from specialists who love what they do.
We believe that the best way to learn D&T is by doing. Our lessons are lively, practical, and focused on solving real-world problems. Rather than just reading from a textbook, students watch "live" demonstrations by their teachers before rolling up their sleeves to create their own prototypes. We use a project-based approach where students design products with real users in mind. This teaches them to be creative problem-solvers and helps them understand that if a design doesn't work the first time, tweaking and improving it is all part of the journey to success.
To make sure these important skills and ideas stick with students for the long term, we build our curriculum like a spiral, regularly revisiting key concepts. Every lesson starts with a quick, fun recap—like a mini-quiz or a rapid sketching challenge—to refresh their memory of previous topics. We also build on what they know year after year. For example, the basic understanding of materials and tools they gain in their first year grows into advanced manufacturing and styling techniques later on, ensuring their knowledge is deeply rooted and they feel confident using it.
D&T also brings school subjects to life by connecting them to the real world. We help students develop their communication skills by teaching them to present their design ideas clearly and write thoughtful evaluations of their work. Maths becomes highly practical in our workshops, as students measure accurately and work out angles for their designs. Finally, technology is woven throughout our curriculum. Students get hands-on experience with computer-aided design software and modern manufacturing equipment. Ultimately, we aren't just teaching students how to make things; we are giving them the confidence, digital skills, and practical know-how to thrive in the modern world.
Homework is set regularly to reinforce and extend the learning taking place in the classroom. At Key Stage 3, students receive homework twice per half-term, focusing on independent research and building upon classroom concepts. As students transition to Key Stage 4, this steps up to once a fortnight to meet the demands of the GCSE course, with a strong focus on independent study, coursework completion, and deepening subject knowledge.
To keep everything organized and easy to track, we use Bromcom to log deadlines and keep parents informed, alongside Google Classroom to share resources. Through Google Classroom, students can seamlessly access their assignments, track their progress, and complete their design research from home.
Within the DT department we offer an open door policy after school where pupils are welcome to come and get support from the teacher to complete work. Some members of the department also offer lunch clubs for those pupils at GCSE.
In food technology we actively bring the industry into the school and take our students out into the wider gastronomic world. We organise visits to local farm to fork initiatives as well having a charity called Prept coming into school to work with our GCSE students using local ingredients and understanding about sustainable food production. We also offer pupils the opportunity to visit the Brugge Christmas markets where students can explore foods from different cultures.
