Design and Technology

KS4 Exam Board: AQA Design and Technology

At Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Design and Technology is important because:

• It develops creative problem-solvers who can identify real-world problems, generate innovative ideas, and design effective solutions to meet the needs of users.
• It equips students with practical and technical skills through designing, making, testing, and evaluating products using a range of materials, tools, and technologies.
• It prepares students for future careers and life beyond school by developing resilience, independence, communication, critical thinking, and an understanding of modern industry and engineering practices.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Develop confident, creative, and independent learners who can apply the design process to solve real-world problems.
• Build and secure knowledge of materials, processes, and manufacturing techniques through engaging practical and theoretical learning experiences.
• Prepare students for further education, employment, and future careers by fostering resilience, innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

In Design and Technology, we deliver the curriculum through:

• A unique blend of practical making and theoretical learning, allowing students to apply knowledge immediately through designing, modelling, manufacturing, testing, and evaluating products.
• A carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge, skills, and vocabulary over time, enabling students to master increasingly complex design and manufacturing techniques.
• Real-world design contexts and iterative design challenges, encouraging students to think creatively, solve problems, respond to client needs, and develop resilience through refining and improving their work.

Assessment

• Knowledge assessments and retrieval activities are used regularly to check students' understanding of key concepts, materials, processes, and technical vocabulary.
• Practical outcomes and design portfolios are assessed against clear success criteria, allowing students to demonstrate their designing, making, testing, and evaluating skills.
• Teacher feedback, peer assessment, and self-assessment opportunities help students reflect on their progress, identify areas for improvement, and refine their work overtime.

GCSE Assessment

One written examination and one Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) design-and-make project.

Paper

Paper 1: Design and Technology

2-hour written examination

100 marks

50% of the GCSE

Coursework

Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): Designing and Making a Prototype

Approximately 30–35 hours of work

100 marks

50% of the GCSE

Students investigate a contextual challenge, produce a design portfolio, manufacture a prototype, and evaluate their outcome.

We know our curriculum is successful when:

• Students can confidently apply their knowledge and skills to design, make, test, and evaluate products that meet a clear design brief and user needs.

• Students demonstrate strong progress over time, producing high-quality practical outcomes and achieving positive results in both internal and external assessments.

• Students develop creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills, leaving Design and Technology prepared for further study, apprenticeships, and careers within the design, engineering, and manufacturing industries.

Revision

AQA Design & Technology – Specification, past papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports.

BBC Bitesize Design & Technology GCSE – Revision notes, videos, quizzes, and activities.

Technology Student – Clear explanations of materials, processes, CAD/CAM, electronics, and design theory.

PG online DT textbook and revision guides