Design and Technology
Welcome to Careers in Design and Technology
Why study Design and Technology?
Design and Technology at St Marylebone combines a love of problem-solving with being creative to come up with great ideas. The subject can be the beginning of a wide range of career choices. As an area of study, it focuses on evaluating, designing, planning and creating beautiful and functional products which people can use.
Think about everyday items around your house for example, furniture, your phone or food packaging. Designers spend a great deal of time thinking about how to make them look good while also making them work. That's what design and technology is all about!
What do students say about why they chose Design and Technology?
"I picked DT in Year 9 because I enjoy being creative and the process of research and designing really interests me. I also like to go the extra mile to make my ideas work."
Meem, Year 11
"I really liked DT in lower school, especially wood work and graphics because you can make lots of really cool things: like a box and t-shirt design."
Lara, Year 11
"I picked DT in year 9 as I had enjoyed my lessons in KS3 particularly the graphics, product and textiles side as I liked being able to transfer my ideas into a physical object."
Freya, Year 12
What will I learn?
By studying GCSE Design and Technology learners will:
learn how to solve problems creatively in real life situations.
develop their presentation and drawing skills, by hand and by using the computer to create professional design pages.
master the use of tools and machine skills across graphics and in the workshop including, CADCAM, computer modelling, 3D printing and prototyping.
develop knowledge and understanding of the properties and uses of a range of materials to inform their designs.
explore the work of contemporary designers and the understand inspiration and determining factors for their designs.
develop creative skills that can aid and assist them across all their subjects.
understand the economic, environmental, ethical and socio-cultural influences on design and technology of new and emerging technologies.
investigate the mechanisms of how everyday products work.
What do students say about the Design and Technology course?
"Not everything goes right the first time, and mistakes help you to build on your ideas. Be creative and don't get put down if something doesn't work out the first time as there's always a solution. Through DT I have been able to build up my creativity, problem-solving, and evaluation skills, which has also helped me in other subjects."
Yasmine, Year 11
"D&T helped develop my organization, independence and decision-making skills. My advice would be to make sure you understand everything and pay attention in the first year as it will help when you have to apply your knowledge to your NEA. Also when you receive your theme initially explore and understand your theme before making and decisions also make sure you keep up with the deadlines and the work in class to reduce your homework hours!"
Sidona, Year 11
"I learnt that if I put my mind to something I can do it and I think DT is a good subject to pick because with most of the subjects in school eg: Maths, English, Spanish and so on it's a lot of writing and I think for some people ( myself ) that gets quite boring but with DT you do practical stuff and get to make things and it's quite independent where you make a lot of decisions yourself eg: what you want to make, material, size, designing it yourself so it gives you some independence."
Courtney, Year 11
"From DT I have learnt how to be more creative, I have also benefited from the content that we study as it has allowed me to use new ways when making something for myself or fixing something around the house. I would tell others that it is a really useful subject that can teach you a lot of skills that you could need at some point in your life like whether it is for a project or decorating your own room."
Meem, Year 11
"I have learned that I sometimes overcomplicate an idea, when it is a lot easier and more effective if it is simplified. I have also learnt that when you put in some time and energy the results can be really amazing. From studying DT you can learn to be more organised as you have to complete coursework, as well to think creatively about new ideas and then to systematically trial them till you find a solution to the problem."
Lara, Year 11
"I have learned how to time manage and stay on top of my work while completing my NEA as there is a lot of work needed to access the top marks which can become overwhelming when lots is left uncompleted. It has also led me to becoming much more aware and thinking about design and products in my daily life. I think students would benefit a lot from studying DT as it is an enjoyable subject while having links to things in day to day life."
Freya, Year 12
Alumni - Judy El Hajjar
Judy studied GCSE Design and Technology at St Marylebone. She went on to study Architecture at UCL Bartlett School in London. Having completed her course she is keeping busy!
She is now tutoring now at the Architectural Association; working at David Morley Architects; designing labels for a new independent drinks company; designing the inside furniture and interior design of a small deli/zero waste shop.
Judy comes back to visit us when she can, talking to students, sharing her ideas and experience of design, and coaching students through their university applications if they are interested in a career in design.
What kind of careers can GCSE Design and Technology prepare me for?
Computing Technology and Digital: Students study Computer Aided Design and Manufacture on the course which introduces them to skills needed in many of the jobs in new and emerging technologies such as: 3D printing, robotic engineering and digital design and manufacture.
Construction: The design and practical elements of the course are well suited to careers in: architecture, architectural technologist and from town planners to landscape architects to name a few.
Creative and Media: The study of Design and Technology is an excellent introduction to the skills needed for product designer, set designer, bookbinder, CAD technician, photographer, interior designer and graphic designer. Again, there are many job roles study of Design and Technology supports.
Engineering: This is an expanding sector with many job roles in engineering to build and shape the environment and products around us in more sustainable ways.
Find out more about the these jobs supported by Design and Technology here:
Job Roles in Design and Technology
What could I study at Post 16 and beyond?
6th form colleges: A Level Design and Technology
Apprenticeships: junior product designer; theatre set carpenter; farrier; service technician; civil engineering technician; plumber; design and drafting technician; engineering architectural model maker
Vocational: graphic design; fashion styling; art and design; media; engineering; photography; construction and building services; motor vehicle – technology and repair
University: https://www.ucas.com/job-subjects/design-technology
As well as degrees in Design and Technology the subject can support applications to many other popular degrees where the skills and creative problem solving are valued. On graduation from University, Design and Technology degrees are valued by employers in the industry.
You can study: design and technology, product design (3D), product design (textiles), systems and control technology, food technology.
Related subjects include: art, graphic design, media, music technology, computing, maths, physics, photography, sculpture, textiles, engineering and many more.
The broad range of the Design and Technology course ensures it supports jobs in a wide variety of growth areas for employment.
These industries include:
Computing,
Technology and Digital,
Construction,
Creative & Media,
and Engineering.
Search here for more information:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zn7h8xs/jobs-that-use-design-and-technology/1
"Design and Technology should be as riveting and relevant as the career it channels into. Logical, creative and practical, it’s the only opportunity that school students have to apply what they learn in maths and science – directly preparing them for a future in engineering."
James Dyson, Inventor
Enrichment for you to get involved in:
We take the opportunity in Year 10 to get involved in Design and Technology Competitions and Opportunities. These have included:
Graphics Gathering at the V&A
Design Ventura at the Design Museum
Imperial College London Maker Challenge
Arkwright Scholarship
Explore to find out more...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zb6h92p
https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections?type=featured
https://www.technologystudent.com/
https://www.stem.org.uk/home-learning/secondary-design-technology
TV Shows: The Repair Shop, Money for Nothing, Grand Designs, Your House Made Perfect, and many more shows demonstrate the possibilities of a career using the skills gained in Design and Technology!
