Design and Technology

Design and Technology (Product Design) is an inspiring and challenging subject. It gives young people the skills and abilities to engage positively with the designed and made world and to harness the benefits of technology. With coursework tailored to the needs of the individual and a resource bank full of useful aids and ideas to enable students to make the most of their studies and have the best possible chance of success, the Technologies department provides a lively and dynamic environment in which students have the confidence to create innovative ideas and the capability to bring their ideas to life.

Consider the room you are stood in, the graphics on the paper you hold in your hand or the chair you are sat on. All of these items have been carefully planned, researched, designed and manufactured with a user in mind in order to solve a specific design problem. By studying Design and Technology at Bridgewater School, students are able to build up their creativity, problem solving, planning and evaluation skills. Since some tasks and projects are also done via group work, students will also gain valuable communication and teamwork skills.

In Years 7, 8 and 9, students study Design and Technology for two periods a fortnight on a rotation system, developing workshop skills through the use of tools and machinery in the DT room, and using the ICT suite to create graphic outcomes (CAD), sketching and completing research assignments.

GCSE Design & Technology

Through studying GCSE Design and Technology, pupils will be prepared to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world; be aware of, and learn from, wider influences on design and technology, including historical, social / cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will learn how to be innovative and to make creative use of a variety of resources including digital technologies, to improve the world around them.

The Cambridge IGCSE course, which allows students to freely create their own design problems and solutions without limitations, is a single GCSE qualification. Both the exam papers and controlled assessment are completed in Year 11.

Design & Technology opens the door to a wide range of careers in the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries. The knowledge and skills developed throughout the course, which will include initiative, enquiry, teamwork, time management and the communication skills central to the design process, are extremely valuable and highly prized by employers.

We believe that indivduals count. So we are interested in what makes us all different. Not just what makes us the same.


EYFS and Prep Open Morning 2025

When it comes to finding the perfect learning environment for your child, we believe that the best way to see why children are so happy here is to experience our

Read more

Young orators make their mark

Last week, six Key Stage 3 students showcased their intellectual curiosity, problem-solving abilities and communication skills at the Rotary Youth Speaks Competition. Held at Bedford High School in Leigh, this

Read more

Sporting achievements for the autumn term

As we progress towards spring, we take great pride in celebrating the outstanding sporting achievements of our students during the autumn term of the 2024-25 academic year. With dedication, teamwork

Read more

A festive season filled with celebration

December 2024 saw a wonderfully festive end to the autumn term, with the last few weeks filled with joyful activities and events to celebrate the season. The happiness and wellbeing

Read more