At Chiswick School Design and Technology consists of three specialisms: Food, Product Design and Textiles. Each specialism has a dedicated learning environment which is well resourced. Students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the principles behind the development of products. This is achieved through a rigorous curriculum which requires students to use a broad range of skills. Additionally students are encouraged to express freedom of thought, develop cultural capital and actively contribute to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of themselves, their community and their nation.

We provide students with opportunities to take risks, question different ways of working, problem-solve and to become motivated, inspirational, confident, and autonomous learners.

Using creativity and imagination, students will design and make products within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They learn a broad range of specialist subject knowledge which has strong links to the wider school curriculum, including subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Geography, English, Business Studies, Computing, PE, RP and Art. There is a high level of practical application which develops students’ understanding of theoretical concepts - this again has strong links to the wider school curriculum, transforming theory into reality.

We are a team who believe that all students have the ability to be a positive influence in the future world. This is supported by exposing the students of Chiswick School to a range of industrial and cultural experiences, including trips, workshops, participation in national competitions and extracurricular activities. We aim to inspire all students and allow them to realise their own creative intentions whilst being Ambitious and Proud learners.

KS3

At KS3 students follow a termly rotation of each of the three specialist subjects. This provides them with a strong foundation and the ability to make informed choices regarding further study at KS4 and beyond.

Food

As part of their work with food, pupils should be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.  Students will be taught to:

• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and health
• cook a repertoire of predominantly savoury dishes so that they are able to feed themselves and others a healthy and varied diet
• become competent in a range of cooking techniques [for example, selecting and preparing ingredients; using utensils and electrical equipment; applying heat in different ways; using awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients; adapting and using their own recipes]
• understand the source, seasonality and characteristics of a broad range of ingredients

An example of how students are able to learn about many of these principles, techniques and methods is by making pizza eg. preparing ingredients for tomato sauce and toppings (cooking techniques, using equipment);  cooking a tomato sauce (nutrition and health, combining ingredients, applying heat, source, seasonality);  kneading dough (characteristics of a broad range of ingredients)

Product Design

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils will be taught the knowledge, understanding and foundation skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making.

When designing and making, students will be taught to:

Design

• use research and exploration, such as the study of different cultures, to identify and understand user needs
• identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them
• develop specifications to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that respond to needs in a variety of situations
• use a variety of approaches to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses
• develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, detailed plans, 3-D and mathematical modelling, oral and digital presentations

Make

• select from and use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery precisely, including computer-aided manufacture
• select from and use a wider, more complex range of materials and components taking into account their properties
• students are introduced to a range of different textile decoration and construction techniques which will enable them to problem solve and to create the products they design

Evaluate

• analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop and broaden their understanding
• investigate new and emerging technologies
• test, evaluate and refine their ideas and products against a specification, taking into account the views of intended users and other interested groups
• understand developments in design and technology, its impact on individuals, society and the environment, and the responsibilities of designers, engineers and technologists

Technical knowledge

• understand and use the properties of materials and the performance of structural elements to achieve functioning solutions
• understand how electrical and electronic systems can be powered and used in their products

Textiles

At Chiswick, we offer an exciting Art Textiles curriculum that aims to inspire a lifelong appreciation for textiles and its broader design processes. This dynamic curriculum is designed to foster creativity, encourage self-expression, and provide students with the technical skills and confidence to pursue their creative ambitions through fabric and material.

Students develop an understanding of textile processes, from traditional techniques to contemporary innovations. Through frequent experimentation, they explore a wide range of materials, techniques and design processes such as fabric dyeing, printing, embroidery, weaving and fabric manipulation. Critical thinking and creative problem-solving are at the core of this, allowing students to build confidence in their creative voice.

The curriculum also emphasises the importance of research and drawing inspiration from diverse cultural and historical sources, fostering a well-rounded understanding of textile design. Throughout, we place a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices in textile production, ensuring our students are empowered to become informed, conscientious, and socially responsible individuals.

Curriculum Content

• Year 7: Pop Art Soft Food Sculptures
• Year 8: Recycled Materials Weaving
• Year 9: Icon Portrait Quilts

KS4

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition

The Eduqas GCSE in Food Preparation and Nutrition equips learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to cook and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. It encourages learners to cook, enables them to make informed decisions about food and nutrition. The course also covers the health qualities of different foods and which foods work together in a meal.  Students regularly try out new ideas and foods and discover how ingredients work together and why.

This specification is focused on an innovative delivery of a two year course divided into two parts - a written exam focusing on six areas of content and two non examination assessments where students demonstrate scientific investigations and effective and safe cooking skills, planning, preparing and cooking whilst using different cooking techniques and equipment. 

Specification and Exam Board

Eduqas Food Preparation and Nutrition

GCSE Art and Design: Textile Design

Please see Art subject page for KS4 Textiles information.

GCSE Art and Design: Three Dimensional Design

Three Dimensional Design allows students to be creative and practical, whilst challenging them to develop knowledge, build time management skills and be independent in their creative choices.

During the two year course, students undertake a series of coursework projects, in addition to a further assignment set by the examination board. All of these projects will allow them to develop their technical skills, whilst also being creative with their ideas and incorporating their own interests.

Students will gain a knowledge and understanding of areas including model making, constructing, surface treatment, assembling and modelling.

Specification and exam board

AQA GCSE Art and Design: Three-dimensional Design

KS5

A Level Art & Design: Textile Design

The A Level Textile Design course will provide students with a range of essential skills needed in the progression in the fashion and textile industry.

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of textile media, processes and techniques. They will be made aware of both traditional and new media.

Students will be encouraged to discover their one unique styles and to push boundaries of their own creative thinking, by examining the work of contemporary fashion and textile designers. They will learn how to develop ideas to create outcomes that may include fashion textiles, costume design, digital textiles, printed and constructed textiles, interior design, art textiles and installed textiles

Progression routes

Many students who study Textile Design go on to complete a Foundation Art and Design course. Others go to University to study Fashion Design, Textile Design, Surface Design, Costume Design, Interior Design, Footwear Design and many other design related degrees.

Specification and Exam board:

AQA A Level Art and Design: Textile Design

A Level Design and Technology: Product Design

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.

They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning into practice by producing prototypes of their choice.

Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Progression routes

Many students who study Product Design go on to complete a Foundation Art and Design course. Others go to University to study Product Design, 3D Design, Architecture, Industrial Design and many other design related degrees.

There are many avenues available for students, as design skills and the ability to visualise new ideas can be useful in many job families such as marketing, sales and advertising, arts crafts and design, broadcast media and performing arts, journalism and publishing, construction, as well as engineering and manufacturing.

Specification and exam board

AQA A-level Design and Technology: Product Design

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