Design & Technology

Design & Technology


Design & Technology is studied by all students in Years 7 and 8 and is available as a GCSE option from Year 9 onwards. 


In the foundation years The Cedars delivers a broad range of topics to enthuse the pupils, develop their technological knowledge and prepare them for the GCSE course should they wish to pursue this. Topics include: Electronics, Structures, Mechanisms, Graphics and CADCAM. They are also required to complete a number of design and make tasks especially selected to challenge them and enhance their skills.


At GCSE level the course provides scope for students to use their creativity and flair to design and make products selected from a range of contexts circulated by the exam board at the beginning of June in the year prior to examination. Pupils may call upon the full range of materials available when developing their products which may include any one of/or combination of: electronic systems, textile based materials, Polymers, Metal based materials, Timber based materials and/or papers & boards. Click HERE to view the GCSE Design and Technology Specification. 


The Cedars’ pupils very much enjoy exploring new avenues and developing new skills in the department but the upcoming expansion will also allow us to offer Heat treatment facilities of Casting, Welding, Forging and Braising in the near future. There are also exciting plans to develop a purpose-built design studio.


The knowledge and skills acquired through the study of Design and Technology form a sound base, not only for taking the subject further or as preparation for employment in the scientific and technological professions but facilitates the development of life skills. It enables pupils to consider in greater depth the World in which they live and how they can best contribute towards its future.


Tony Nelson

Head of Design & Technology


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