Design & Technology

Design & Technology at CHS South gives students the opportunity to combine creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills to design and make innovative products. Through Textiles, Resistant Materials (RM), and Graphics, students learn how to turn ideas into reality while developing a deep understanding of the impact of design and technology in our everyday lives.

 

Our Intent

Our mission is to develop creative, confident, and technically skilled learners who can design and make with purpose, shaping them into Creative, Happy, and Successful students.

The Design & Technology Department aims to:

• Equip students with core technical and creative skills for life and work.

• Inspire innovation through exploration of materials, textiles, and digital media.

• Develop resilience, independence, and problem-solving abilities.

• Promote sustainability, upcycling, and responsible design choices.

• Prepare students for future careers across design, engineering, and creative industries.

 

Curriculum Information

Key Stage 3

Year 7 Design & Technology (Textiles) Year 7 Design & Technology (RM and Graphics) Year 8 Design & Technology (Textiles) Year 8 Design & Technology (RM and Graphics) Year 9 Design & Technology

Key Stage 4

Year 10 Design & Technology Year 11 Design & Technology

 

Why Study Design & Technology?

Studying Design & Technology at CHS South develops a unique mix of skills:

Creativity – designing original and innovative products.

Practical Skills – using textiles, resistant materials, graphics, CAD/CAM, and digital tools.

Problem-Solving – analysing real-world issues and creating functional solutions.

Technical Knowledge – understanding materials, processes, and design principles.

Transferable Skills – teamwork, resilience, independence, and critical thinking.

Design & Technology prepares students for a wide range of careers in design, engineering, architecture, fashion, product development, and beyond.

 

Meet the Team

Ms. Smalley - Curriculum Leader for Design & Technology and Teacher

Miss. Heery - Curriculum Leader for Design & Technology and Teacher

Mrs. Meanwell-Trafford - Assistant Curriculum Leader for Design & Technology and Teacher

Ms. Reid – Teacher

Miss. Whitwell - Teacher

Mrs. Hibberson-Davies - Technician for Design & Technology

Ms. Soultani - Technician for Design & Technology

 

Enrichment Opportunities

Students can extend their learning through:

• After-school clubs in textiles, graphics, or product design

• Competitions and showcases of student work

• Workshops with industry professionals and designers

• Trips linked to design, architecture, and technology

 

How Parents/Carers Can Support at Home

• Encourage creativity through sketching, designing, or making at home.

• Support independent projects such as sewing, DIY, or digital design.

• Discuss design in everyday life – from household products to architecture.

• Provide opportunities to explore museums, galleries, and exhibitions.

 

Further Study

• A Level Product Design / Graphic Communication / Textiles

• College courses in Engineering, Fashion & Textiles, or Creative Media

• Apprenticeships in Design, Manufacturing, or Engineering

• University pathways in Architecture, Industrial Design, Engineering, or Fashion

 

Career Links

Design & Creative Industries Product Designer Fashion or Textile Designer Graphic Designer Interior Designer Architect User Experience (UX) Designer	Engineering & Manufacturing Mechanical or Civil Engineer Automotive or Aerospace Engineer Design Engineer Manufacturing Technician CAD/CAM Specialist
Media & Technology Digital Animator 3D Modeller Multimedia Artist Advertising / Marketing Designer	Business & Industry Project Manager Industrial Buyer / Merchandiser Design Consultant Sustainability and Innovation Specialist

In Design & Technology, we encourage students to innovate, take risks, and explore ideas - because the best way to predict the future is to design it.