School Life
Discover academic excellence, personal development, and a vibrant community at Ernest Bevin Academy.
Design and Technology
The Design and Technology curriculum at Ernest Bevin Academy aims to inspire students to be innovative and creative problem-solvers. Through practical and theoretical work, students develop technical knowledge, design skills, and an understanding of how products are developed in response to human needs and wants. Our curriculum prepares students for future careers in engineering, product design, architecture, and other technical fields.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
In Key Stage 3, students rotate through different material areas throughout the year, ensuring they gain experience with a wide range of materials, techniques, and design processes.
Year 7
Resistant Materials
- Material properties: Wood, metal, and plastics
- Basic workshop skills and safety
- Design and make: Desk organizer
Graphics
- Technical drawing skills
- Product packaging design
- Computer-aided design introduction
Food Technology
- Food safety and hygiene
- Basic cooking skills
- Nutrition and healthy eating
- Cultural food influences
Year 8
Electronics
- Basic electronic components
- Circuit design and testing
- Design and make: Electronic game
Textiles
- Textile materials and properties
- Sewing skills and techniques
- Design and make: Customized item
Product Design
- Design inspiration and influences
- Design development processes
- Ergonomics and anthropometrics
- Design and make: Mechanical toy
Year 9
Advanced Materials
- Modern and smart materials
- Advanced manufacturing techniques
- Sustainability in design
Systems and Control
- Mechanical systems
- Programmable components
- Computer-aided manufacture
GCSE Preparation Project
- Design brief analysis
- Research techniques
- Iterative design process
- Mini-NEA project
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
At Key Stage 4, students can choose to follow one or more of our GCSE Design and Technology pathways:
GCSE Design and Technology
We follow the AQA specification, which covers:
- Core technical principles
- Specialist technical principles
- Designing and making principles
- Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): Design and make project (50% of GCSE)
- Written examination: 2 hours (50% of GCSE)
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
We follow the AQA specification, which covers:
- Food, nutrition, and health
- Food science
- Food safety
- Food choice
- Food provenance
- Non-Exam Assessment 1: Food investigation (15% of GCSE)
- Non-Exam Assessment 2: Food preparation assessment (35% of GCSE)
- Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes (50% of GCSE)
Cambridge National in Engineering Design
This Level 1/2 qualification covers:
- R038: Principles of engineering design (Written exam)
- R039: Communicating designs
- R040: Design, evaluation and modelling
- R041: Practical engineering skills
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
In the Sixth Form, we offer the following qualifications:
A-Level Product Design
We follow the AQA specification, which covers:
- Technical principles
- Designing and making principles
- Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): Substantial design and make project (50% of A-Level)
- Written papers: Papers 1 and 2 (50% of A-Level)
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering
This qualification is equivalent to 2 A-Levels and includes units such as:
- Engineering principles
- Engineering product design and manufacture
- Computer-aided design
- Microcontroller systems for engineers
- Calculus to solve engineering problems
- Electronic devices and circuits
- 3D printing and additive manufacturing
Facilities and Resources
The Design and Technology department at Ernest Bevin Academy is well-equipped with a range of facilities:
- Resistant materials workshops with traditional woodworking and metalworking equipment
- CNC machinery including laser cutter, 3D printer, and CNC router
- Food technology room with modern cooking equipment
- Textiles room with sewing machines and CAD embroidery facilities
- Electronics lab with testing equipment and soldering stations
- CAD/CAM suite with industry-standard software
- Engineering workshop with machine tools and testing facilities
Enrichment Opportunities
- STEM Club
- Engineering Club
- Cooking Club
- Design competitions (local and national)
- Visits to design museums and exhibitions
- Industry visits and speakers
- Links with universities for design and engineering projects
- Young Engineers Competition
How Parents Can Help
- Encourage creative problem-solving at home
- Discuss everyday design features and products
- Support with materials for coursework projects
- Visit museums, exhibitions, and design shows
- Encourage engagement with technology and new developments
- Practice cooking skills and techniques at home
- Help research contexts and issues for NEA projects
Useful Resources
Websites
Additional Resources
- KS3 Design & Technology Resources (Download PDF)
- GCSE D&T Revision Guide (Download PDF)
- Food Technology Recipe Book (Download PDF)
- NEA Guidance for Parents (Download PDF)