INTENT
Product Design
Product Design shapes the world we live in, influencing everything from everyday consumer goods to medical equipment and communication devices. At St Edward’s Academy, Design and Technology – Product Design introduces pupils to the full design process, helping them develop both 2D and 3D visualisation skills.
Our curriculum encourages pupils to think creatively and imaginatively, designing and making products that solve real problems in a range of contexts. Pupils learn to consider the needs of others while developing practical making skills and an understanding of how design impacts society.
Food
In Food and Nutrition, our aim is to inspire a love of learning and to engage pupils fully in all aspects of the subject. We equip learners with the confidence and practical skills they need to live healthy, independent lives, supporting the core values of our 10:10 vision.
Our curriculum nurtures the whole child, offering a broad and balanced experience that celebrates every pupil’s individual strengths and talents alongside their academic progress. We place great emphasis on delivering rich, engaging lessons that promote creativity, self‑expression, teamwork, healthy lifestyles, positive self‑esteem and critical thinking.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Key Stage 2 Product Design:
At KS2, our curriculum builds key skills in drawing, rendering, and design. Pupils learn subject vocabulary, explore design concepts, and follow the design process in increasingly challenging projects. We also teach essential Health and Safety rules for practical work.
Key Stage 2 Food and Nutrition:
At KS2, our curriculum builds core food knowledge and skills. Pupils learn about the Eatwell Guide, key food groups, and the impact of healthy choices. We teach Health and Safety in the food room and at home, including safe equipment use, heat application, and knife skills. Pupils explore food origins, ingredient selection, and try a range of dishes. They also take part in garden sessions to learn about growing ingredients.
Key Stage 3 Product Design:
At Key Stage 3, pupils deepen their understanding of the design process and develop more advanced practical skills.
In Year 7, pupils design and make a mood light, working with a wider range of tools, equipment, and basic electronics. They also learn introductory 2D CAD skills and continue developing their 3D drawing techniques.
In Year 8, pupils design and make a desktop organiser, gaining new creative and practical skills. They build their design and presentation skills using different media, with a focus on isometric and perspective drawing, and use CAD to produce detailed working drawings.
Key Stage 3 Food and Nutrition:
At KS3, we build on the key skills pupils gained in KS2. They develop their understanding of nutrition, dietary needs, and how to cater for different diets. Practical skills progress with greater use of equipment, improved knife skills, and deeper knowledge of ingredient functions. Pupils also learn about food origins, Health and Safety, fair trade, food miles, costing, and responsible consumer choices. Throughout, we encourage independence and resilience to prepare pupils for life beyond St Edward’s.
LEARNING JOURNEYS
ASSESSMENT
In Product Design, we assess pupils designing and making skills, along with their technical knowledge and understanding. This is done throughout the course of the project, during both theory and practical lessons. An overall assessment of pupil’s work is also completed at the end of each of these areas.
Assessment is undertaken in a continually in Food, for example we assess pupils practical and theoretical ability, looking at skills, understanding and independence.
CULTURAL CAPITAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Lunchtime activities – D&T club
Cross curricular links with Maths, Science, Computing and Art
Understanding of designing for purpose and importance of recycling
Celebration of Healthy Eating week
Weekly lunch time clubs
Experimentation with flavours and opportunities to try different foods
Competitions such as Young Chef
Engagement with the LEAF project
Gardening opportunities to grow food in the school garden both in and out of lessons
