The purpose of studying Design and Technology at Wood Green school is to develop thoughtful, imaginative and resourceful citizens of the future. We live in a rapidly changing world, through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, students develop a critical understanding of good design in 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, building resilient, reflective, creative and skilled young people.
KS3 is split into two distinct sections. Years 7 and 8 are devoted to building skills and understanding of materials and processes. Students undertake a series of design and make projects using a range of materials and techniques.
In year 9, through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. When designing and making, students are taught to:
Design · use research and exploration, to identify and understand user needs · identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them · develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations.
Make · select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture · select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials, components, considering their properties
Evaluate · analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding · investigate new and emerging technologies · test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, considering the views of intended users and other interested groups · understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists.
These skills are the foundation of Key stages 4 and 5. In years 10 and 12 students are taught the theoretical knowledge to underpin their practical work as well as enabling them to succeed in the examined part of their course.
The KS3 WGS Baccalaureate activities for the Product Design subject Award
Product Design GCSE revision resources
GCSE Product Design specification
Board Edexel, 9DT0
Grade 5 or above in GCSE Design and Technology (Resistant Materials, Graphic Products or Product Design). The ability to communicate to a high standard in both graphical terms and the written word is a requirement.
A presentation by Mr Dashwood
The course offers excellent progression from GCSE Design and Technology courses, (Resistant Materials, Graphic Products and Product Design). Advanced Level Design and Technology aims to provide an opportunity for students to develop their own creativity, capability and entrepreneurial skills; to apply knowledge and understanding to a range of technological activities and to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. In both years, students will continue to develop their creativity, communication skills and making skills. The course has been designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relationships between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. Advanced Level Design and Technology goes well with Mathematics, Physics and Art and Design. It complements subjects such as English, History, Geography and Modern Languages. A level Product Design can lead to careers in Design, Engineering, Architecture, Applied sciences and Education.
A level Product Design specification
Product Design A level revision resources
Updated September 2025
