Design and Technology
The Design and Technology department aims to develop students academically and technically whilst broadening their awareness of the subject as a consumer of products. Our aim is to enable pupils to think divergently and employ their design thinking and practical skills to explore a wide range of user needs and wants.
Pupils learn to respond to a diverse range of contextual challenges in their work, exploring a variety of processes and materials with imaginative confidence and with the freedom to learn through failure. Pupils will learn about various products, designers, movements, and industrially viable approaches to challenge and develop their investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical, and expressive skills. This will enhance their aesthetic understanding and critical judgement.
Through exploring a wide range of processes, techniques, and materials, teaching and learning focuses on introducing and developing practical and design thinking skills. Each project also introduces students to the design of products from different eras and for different users/contexts. This is to help them develop their knowledge and understanding of the importance of the subject both from the past and in the present.
Planning, delivery, and assessment of Lower School work is in line with the assessment requirements at GCSE to help pupils progress seamlessly into the Upper School with the critical thinking skills and technical ability required should they decide to take the subject further.
GCSE Design and Technology aims to provide students with opportunities to explore technical skills across a wide range of materials, techniques, and processes to develop their understanding of the design and manufacture of products.
Design thinking is taught alongside practical techniques using textiles, woodwork, polymers, metal, electronics and modern/smart materials. In addition to the traditional and modern application of these materials students are encouraged to develop work through a process of personal experimentation to produce a collective body of innovative design solutions.
GCSE Design and Technology is designed for students who have a commitment to and love of the subject and feel motivated to develop their skills and express their ideas from various contextual starting points.
The AQA A Level Design and Technology course provides a rigorous and engaging curriculum tailored to meet the needs of pupils interested in engineering, product design, architecture, and other creative and technical disciplines. Designed for pupils who enjoy the practical and creative nature of the subject, it fosters innovation, problem-solving and technical competence – qualities that are highly valued by universities and employers.
This Design and Technology course is structured around two key areas:
Technical principles
Pupils will develop an in-depth understanding of:
- Material properties and selection
- Manufacturing processes and technologies
- Modern and smart materials
- Sustainable and environmental design
- The role of emerging technologies in design and manufacturing.
Design and making principles
Through practical activities, pupils develop their ability in:
- Identifying and solving design problems
- User-centered design and ergonomics
- Aesthetic, social, and cultural influences on design
- Prototyping and iterative design processes
- Design communication, including computer aided design.
A key focus is understanding the integration of theory with real-world applications. Pupils apply their knowledge to practical projects, fostering independent learning and creative exploration.
Future Careers
GCSE Design and Technology is a valuable qualification for anyone interested in a career or future within the broad world of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) subjects. It provides pupils with the practical skills and technical knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of fields, including engineering, industrial design, material science, material engineering, automotive design, fashion design, architecture, illustration, ceramics, printmaking, teaching and graphic and computer-aided design. The subject also includes consideration of the ethical, emotional and legal issues surrounding the subject of materials, product design and design thinking.
In addition to providing pupils with a strong foundation in the wider world of being an informed consumer and user of products, Design and Technology also teaches them valuable transferable skills, such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are essential for success in the 21st century, regardless of the career path a student chooses. It is the view of the department that the subject comprises a unique set of life skills that can help facilitate practical confidence and independence for the future.
Beyond the classroom
The Design and Technology Department is open on Monday lunchtime specifically to host the new Engineering Club. This club has been launched by Sixth Form pupils with a view to introduce Lower School pupils to the wonders of Engineering and allow the older pupils to develop leadership skills in addition to sharing their passion for the subject they wish to pursue at a higher level.
Throughout the week GCSE pupils can get involved in a range of 2D and 3D activities that are pupil specific to the Design and Technology course they are studying. This is arranged on a more bespoke basis and can be carried out at times before and after the school day, in addition to lunchtime sessions.
Pupils are invited to enter various competitions throughout the year and the Design and Technology Department offers resources to do so. Most notably the recent in-house United Nations Sustainable Development Goals competition launched during Summer 2023 saw a large group of pupils from Year 7 obtaining a bespoke visit to the Engineering faculty at the University of Birmingham.
Meet the Head of Department
Mr Balkham
Mr Balkham has been teaching Design and Technology since 1994 and joined King Edward’s School as Head of Department in 2003. His fascination with design and making began as a child, when he would often be found drawing and designing cars, making models, and tinkering with his bike. He studied Industrial Design at the University of Wales in Cardiff, earning a first class honours degree, and spent some time at ENSCI Les Ateliers in Paris before working as a Product Designer.
After helping Sixth Form students with their design projects, Mr Balkham became interested in teaching and earned a PGCE at Brunel University. He has never regretted his decision to enter the profession, as he loves being creative with students, helping them solve real-world problems, and watching them make and model their ideas in the workshop. Outside of school, Mr Balkham enjoys cycling, mountain biking, and supporting Liverpool Football Club.
