Design Technology at Westfield Academy 

At Westfield Academy, we believe that success in the students' future begins with the foundation we build today. The Design and Technology curriculum is crafted to equip students with lifelong skills that transcend the classroom, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and cultural awareness. Our KS3 program encourages students to develop the ability to take risks, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising, and capable citizens. By inspiring them to design and utilise new and emerging technologies, we prepare them to navigate and shape the future with confidence.

We believe that the process of design and creation is as important as the final product, and that making mistakes is a vital part of learning. Our program encourages students to explore and experiment, understanding that resilience and perseverance are key to innovation.

By integrating practical skills with creative thinking, we aim to build students' confidence and competence in a wide range of techniques and materials. Our classrooms are vibrant spaces where cultural capital is enriched through exposure to diverse design traditions and contemporary practices from around the world. This broadens students' horizons and instils an appreciation for the global context of design.

We prioritise creating a calm and positive working environment where every student feels valued and supported. Our approach nurtures a collaborative spirit, encouraging students to share ideas and learn from one another. In this nurturing atmosphere, students can confidently take risks and embrace challenges, developing not only as skilled designers but also as thoughtful, reflective individuals prepared for the demands of the future.

By focusing on these core principles, our Design and Technology program inspires students to become innovative thinkers, equipped with the skills and mindset needed to contribute meaningfully to society.

In KS4, students have the option to study the WJEC GCSE in Design Technology. This will build on what students learnt about designing and making in Key Stage 3. Through projects, they will learn a wide range of methods used to develop products and undergo the iterative design process. Students will become proficient in 2D working drawings and interactive 3D modelling. They will cover vast materials and sub categories of DT but have a bigger focus upon their specialisms (timbers or textiles).

Product design places imaginative practical work at its heart. This course allows students to challenge ideas of functionality, aesthetics, materials, sustainability, social contexts and ethics in order to design products to solve real problems, improve people’s lives and make a difference to society. Students can go on to Degrees in Graphic Design, engineering and manufacturing, leading into careers in interior designing, creative directing and product design.