Design & Technology

At Weston Secondary School, our vision is to develop confident, creative and technically skilled young people who understand how products are designed, engineered and manufactured. Resistant Materials enables students to explore materials, tools and processes through practical, purposeful projects that encourage curiosity, independence and problem solving. 

Through engaging workshop experiences, students develop resilience, craftsmanship and pride in producing high quality outcomes. They learn how design decisions affect users, society and the environment, building the foundations for future pathways in engineering, product design, carpentry and construction, solving quality outcomes. They learn how design decisions affect users, society and the environment, building the foundations for future pathways in engineering, product design, carpentry and construction.  

Our Resistant Materials curriculum sits within the Design and Technology carousel at Key Stage 3 and is designed to reflect the expectations of the UK National Curriculum. Throughout Key Stage 3, students learn through a balance of practical making, materials theory and core design principles that include investigation, idea development, modelling, making and evaluation. This structure ensures clear progression and prepares students for KS4 Engineering or Carpentry & Joinery. 

Students explore a range of materials, particularly plastics and timbers and learn about sustainability, recycling and the 6Rs, developing awareness of environmental responsibility in design. They investigate existing products, produce detailed design work using sketching and ACCESS FM, and learn to evaluate their outcomes thoughtfully.  

Practical skill development is central to the curriculum. Students are taught how to measure, mark out, cut, shape and assemble components safely and accurately using tools such as coping saws, files and pillar drills. They gain confidence in applying finishing techniques and producing products that reflect accuracy, care and technical skill. The curriculum is inclusive and supports all learners through clear modelling, structured guidance and opportunities for independent challenge.  

Resistant Materials at Weston develops the whole student. Our approach supports: 

• Knowledge of materials, sustainability, product analysis, design principles, manufacturing processes and safe workshop practice 
• Resilience, teamwork, creativity, responsibility and an appreciation of how design impacts society and the environment 
• Skilled, accurate and safe use of workshop tools, effective making techniques, finishing processes and pride in producing high quality, functional products 

This curriculum reflects national curriculum aims of design, make, evaluate and technical knowledge by enabling students’ quality products, apply technical knowledge confidently, and understand how design and technology shape the modern world.