Design & Technology

Designing, making and nourishing real life.

Students are encouraged to be inspired, develop a wide range of essential life skills, feel confident experimenting independently, and enjoy the freedom to be creative while building resilience through exploration, challenge, and problem-solving.

‘Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.’ Adapted from National Curriculum, DfE, 2014. 

The Howden School curriculum for Product Design, Textiles Design, and Food and Nutrition aims to ensure that all students develop a strong repertoire of knowledge, understanding, and skills that enable them to design and make high-quality prototypes, products, and healthy food items for a wide range of users, of which they can be proud. Students are encouraged to critique, evaluate, and test their own work and that of others, using sensory, cost, and nutritional analysis where appropriate. The curriculum also promotes an understanding of the principles of nutrition and the development of practical cooking skills, alongside an exploration of the rich history of design through a wide range of historical, cultural, and social examples. Throughout all areas, students build resilience by learning to accept critical feedback, handle mistakes, and experiment creatively to find innovative solutions to problems.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

(GCSE Art, GCSE Photography, GCSE Graphic Communication – all AQA)