Design and Technology

Design and Technology

Curriculum Overview

Grade 7 and 8 Design Technology: Students are introduced to the design process through engaging, hands-on experiences that promote creativity and critical thinking. They research, generate ideas, create products, and evaluate outcomes to meet real-world needs. Through these projects, students develop practical skills using tools and workshop techniques while building creativity, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in producing functional designs.

Grades 9 and 10 IGCSE Design and Technology: Grades 9 and 10 IGCSE Design and Technology is a two-year course that develops creative problem-solving through hands-on design and manufacturing. In Grade 9, students build core theoretical knowledge and practical skills by working with materials including wood, metal, plastic, and smart materials, while developing essential CAD and technical abilities. Grade 10 focuses on examination preparation and a major coursework project, which is worth 50% of the final grade. Students research, design, and create a functional product addressing a real-world need, applying both theory and practice with an emphasis on initiative, creativity, and communication.

Grade 10 Foundation Course: This one-year course introduces students to Design and Technology by encouraging creativity through real-world analysis while building technical competencies. Students are guided to use the Human-Centered Design Process (empathise, define, ideate, prototype, and test) to solve problems and develop appropriate solutions. They will also develop a range of practical skills essential for confidently navigating the design and manufacturing process. Assessment focuses on students’ progress and mastery throughout the course and includes evaluation of drawing proficiency, safe and effective use of tools and equipment, quality prototype and product creation, and problem-solving abilities.

Grades 11 and 12 Design Technology: The updated IBDP Design Technology syllabus (effective from 2026) is a two-year course that deepens students’ understanding of a designer’s role in the world through three themes: Design in theory, Design in practice, and Design in context. The course combines theoretical learning with hands-on tasks to develop communication, analytical, and technical skills, both independently and collaboratively. At Standard Level, the focus is on product design and user-centred solutions; at Higher Level, students explore advanced engineering topics. All students complete written examinations alongside an individual design project worth 30% of the final grade, in which they must demonstrate originality, critical thinking, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

Our Approach to Learning

Design and Technology develops essential Approaches to Learning skills through hands-on problem-solving and interdisciplinary study. Students enhance their thinking skills via ideation, prototyping, reflection, and critical analysis, while research skills grow through inquiry and evaluating environmental, social, and technological impacts. Communication skills are strengthened through CAD modelling, technical drawing, and collaboration with peers. Social skills develop through teamwork and cross-cultural interaction, and self-management skills are fostered through effective project planning, time management, and resilience. By working with materials and processes and connecting with subjects like Science, Business, and Art, students apply design thinking in meaningful contexts and are assessed on both their creative solutions and their broader social and ethical implications.