The Design Technology Specification has been developed to allow students to access the knowledge and skills they need to design and make products in a rapidly developing technical world. This specification focusses on the core technical principles of design and realisation and introduces students to new and emerging technologies.

In addition to the generic element of the course students are able choose one of the three specialist materials areas, including Graphic Products, Resistant Materials or Textiles Technology. Their resulting design folder and product will therefore be a culmination of studies in their specialist area.

What will you study on the course?

•           You will study the fashion industry, the world of haute couture, famous designers, past and present and how fashion is designed and created for the High Street.

•           You will learn to present your work effectively with the use of mood boards and how to create fashion drawings to communicate your ideas.

•           You will make prototypes, garments and products using commercial patterns and then learn the basic practical skills that will help you construct your design, e.g. using the sewing machine and other equipment.

•           You will study the way fabric is made and how it is used to make a variety of items.

•           You will learn through practical work how fabric has different properties and functions and how to choose fabric for a particular purpose. This will include the study of revolutionary new technical and smart fabrics designed for a range of practical uses.

•           You will learn how to do more complex decorative techniques. e.g batik, tie dye, silk painting and sublimation transfer printing, enabling you to add your own creative designs to your garments.

•           You will use ICT to research and study new ideas and to develop pattern designs for fabric.

•           You will look at the Textiles Industry and how products are manufactured in bulk.

•           You will learn about how fabrics are recycled and can be used to make new items.

•           You will draw and develop your ideas having looked at existing products, using a range of presentation techniques and/or fashion templates to design and present your ideas creatively.