Design Technology – Key Stage 3 Curriculum Plan

This project gives students an introduction to working safely in a workshop using wood working tools to build a wooden toy. In addition, students will learn how to incorporate modern technology into their designs by using 2D computer aided design software. 

Hazard – Something that could cause harm or injury.

Try square – A tool used to check and mark right angles (90°).

Tenon saw – A short‑bladed saw used for accurate, straight cuts in wood.

Coping saw – A saw with a thin blade used for cutting curves and shapes.

Pillar drill – A fixed drilling machine used to drill accurate, straight holes.

Disc sander – A machine with a rotating sanding disc used to smooth edges and surfaces.

Drill bit – A cutting tool used with a drill to make holes in materials.

Isometric drawing – A 3D drawing where edges are drawn at equal angles to show depth.

Glass paper – An abrasive paper used to smooth wood or other materials (also called sandpaper).

Computer‑aided design (CAD) – Using computer software to design and draw products accurately.

Vice – A tool that holds materials firmly in place while working on them.

Evaluation – Judging how well a product or process works and how it could be improved.

Ask your child if they know the properties and differences between different timbers. 

Ask your child what tools and equipment they have been using to make their wooden toy.  Ask your child to name the key health and safety rules in the workshop.

BBC Bitesize

During this project students learn how to develop creative designs, how to construct an electronic circuit by soldering and gain an understanding of forming plastics. This further develops problem solving skills and encourages them to think how electronics can be employed into future design task. They also start to gain an understanding of the benefits of computer aided design and manufacture.

Mind map – A diagram used to organise ideas around a central topic. Design brief – A short statement that explains what a product must do and who it is for. Specification – A detailed list of requirements a product must meet. Annotation – Short notes added to drawings to explain features or decisions. Soldering – Joining electronic components using melted solder. Side cutters – A hand tool used to cut wires and component legs. Long nose pliers – Pliers with narrow jaws used for gripping or bending small parts. Injection moulding – A manufacturing process where melted plastic is injected into a mould. Vacuum forming – Shaping heated plastic by pulling it over a mould using suction. Thermoplastic – A plastic that can be reheated and reshaped many times. Thermosetting plastic – A plastic that hardens permanently when heated and cannot be reshaped. Craft knife – A sharp hand tool used for accurate cutting of thin materials.

Ask your child if they can explain how different plastic products have been shaped.

Ask your child what thermosetting and thermoforming plastics are, and the properties of each. Ask your child to explain how electronic circuits are assembled 

BBC Bitesize

During this project, students learn about the foundations of graphic design and typography. Students will get the opportunity to create and design their own packet of sweets, coming up with imaginative names and illustrations. Students will design a range of ideas and develop their best one into a final piece.  As well as this, students will learn about packaging and nets. Once students have planned their final design, they will spend time creating a final piece.  At the end of the project students will evaluate their work.

Attractive – eye-catching design that appeals to customers. Colourful – use of colours to reflect the sweet product. Protective – keeps the sweets safe from damage. Branding – logos, names, and graphics that identify the product. Sustainable – environmentally friendly materials and packaging. Target Market – designed to appeal to a specific group of consumers. Functional – easy to open, store, and carry.

Encourage you students to draw and demonstrate their communication at home.

BBC Bitesize

Building on the workshop skills developed in Y8, this metal working project focusses on developing expertise using another material. Students learn to follow an engineering plan to build a metal trowel.

Steel – A strong metal made from iron and carbon, commonly used in construction and manufacturing.

Metal working vice – A tool fixed to a bench that holds metal securely while it is worked on.

Scriber – A sharp tool used to mark lines on metal surfaces.

Spring dividers – A measuring and marking tool used to draw circles or transfer distances.

Odd leg calipers – A tool used to mark parallel lines or measure distances from an edge.

Steel rule – A rigid metal ruler used for accurate measuring and marking.

Emery paper – An abrasive paper used to smooth and finish metal surfaces.

Anthropometrics – The study of human body sizes and measurements used to design products.

File – A hand tool with a rough surface used to shape and smooth metal.

Nylon hammer – A hammer with a nylon head used to shape metal without damaging the surface.

Rivet – A permanent metal fastener used to join pieces of material together.

Engineers blue / layout fluid – A coloured liquid applied to metal to make marking out lines easier to see.

Ask your child to explain the different types of metal and their properties.

Ask your child what tools and equipment they have been using to manufacture their steel product and explain how they are used. Ask your child to explain different metal joining and finishing methods.

BBC Bitesize

During this project, students develop an understanding of mechanical systems and experiment incorporating movements into their own creative designs. In addition, students are introduced to a range of technical drawing skills, including isometric, orthographic and 2-point perspective.  This knowledge informs future design work.

1 point perspective drawing – A drawing where lines go towards one vanishing point to show depth.

2 point perspective drawing – A drawing that uses two vanishing points to show more realistic depth and angles.

Isometric drawing – A 3D drawing where vertical lines stay vertical and other edges are drawn at equal angles.

Line weight – The thickness of lines used in a drawing to show importance or detail.

Rendering – Adding colour, shading, and texture to make a drawing look realistic.

CAD (Computer‑Aided Design) – Using computer software to design and draw products accurately.

Extrude – A CAD command that turns a 2D shape into a 3D form by extending it.

CAM (Computer‑Aided Manufacturing) – Using computers to control machines that make products.

Mechanism – A set of moving parts that work together to do a job.

Cam – A shaped wheel or object that turns to create movement.

Follower – A part that moves in response to the cam’s shape.

Linkage – A system of connected rods or parts that transfer movement.

Ask your child what thermosetting and thermoforming plastics are, and the properties of each.

BBC Bitesize

Free On-line CAD programs:

Sketchup

Onshape

In this project, students will learn how to dye and create pattern on material, how to use stitching to embellish their work and why designing and planning  is important. To start with, students will produce a range of drawings using materials such as pencil, ink, and water colours.

They will then design their “own bug.” Once they have developed their idea, they will have the opportunity to make their textile bug.  In addition to this, basic sewing techniques will be practiced and used. At the end of the project students will evaluate their work.

Template – the shape used to create the bug.

Fabric – the material used to make the bug.

Seam – where two pieces of fabric are joined together.

Running Stitch – a simple hand-sewing stitch.

Stuffing – the filling that makes the bug soft and 3D.

Prototype – a first model used to test ideas.

Students can be encouraged to demonstrate their new found textiles skills at home.

BBC Bitesize

Building on skills learnt in Y7 and Y8, students complete a more advanced project where they follow a complex engineering drawing to build a wooden storage. They learn about a wider range of workshop machinery and production techniques. Graphic communication skills are further developed with hand drawings and through the use od CAD.

Risk assessment – The process of identifying hazards, evaluating the likelihood and severity of harm, and deciding how to reduce risks.

Control measure – An action or method used to eliminate or reduce a risk or hazard.

Engineering drawing – A technical drawing that communicates how an object is designed and made using standardized symbols and views.

Dimension – A numerical measurement shown on a drawing that defines size, length, width, height, or position.

Scale – The ratio between the size shown on a drawing and the object’s actual size.

Specification – A detailed description of materials, dimensions, finishes, and performance requirements.

Dowel – A cylindrical pin used to align or join two components accurately.

Clearance hole – A hole large enough for a fastener to pass through without gripping the material.

Pilot hole – A small pre-drilled hole that guides a screw or larger drill bit and prevents splitting.

Quality control – The process of checking products or processes to ensure they meet required standards.

Tolerance – The allowed variation in a dimension or measurement.

Ask your child to name and explain the tools and production process they have been using. Encourage practicing technical drawing and exploring the freely- available CAD software.

BBC Bitesize

During this project students develop more advanced design skills by mastering 2D Computer Aided Design (CAD) and exploring 3D CAD. They begin with precise 2D technical drawings, learning to apply dimensions and industry standards for clear communication. Next, they progress to 3D modeling, using tools like extrusion and rendering to transform sketches into realistic digital prototypes. Students design a functional product and produce a portfolio showcasing both 2D and 3D work.

CAD (Computer‑Aided Design) – The use of computer software to design and draw products accurately.

3D Modeling – Creating a three‑dimensional digital model of an object on a computer.

Extrusion – A CAD process where a 2D shape is stretched into a 3D form.

Rendering – Creating a realistic image of a design, showing colour, texture, and lighting.

Dimensioning – Adding measurements to a drawing to show sizes and positions.

Scale – The ratio between the size shown in a drawing or model and the real object.

Tolerance – The allowed amount a measurement can vary and still be acceptable.

Portfolio – A collection of work that shows the design process and final outcomes.

Prototype – An early model made to test and improve a design.

Orthographic projection – A way of drawing an object using separate 2D views (front, side, plan).

Isometric projection – A 3D drawing method where edges are drawn at equal angles to show depth.

Encourage your child to experiment with sketchup and onshape online and demonstrate their skills.

Free On-line CAD programs:

Sketchup
Onshape

Students will learn to design and create a piece of jewelry and or a keyring. They will  explore how adornments are used by other cultures. This project is split into two section metal work and polymer clay. Students will explore both materials and how they can work together to create interesting adornments. Each student will design their own pieces and then make it, using silversmith tools such as bench pegs and jewelers’ saws.  At the end of the project students will evaluate their work.  

Soldering – joining metal pieces together using heat and solder.

Polymer Clay – a modelling material that hardens when baked.

Pendant – a piece of jewelry worn on a necklace.

Design Brief – the requirements for the jewelry project.

Finish – the surface quality of the completed jewelry.

Findings – jewelry components such as earring hooks, jump rings, and chains.

Students are able to develop their designs at home before realising them in the school workshops.

BBC Bitesize