Design and Technology is important in all areas of the modern world, from railway stations to space stations, adverts to inventions and yogurt pots to yachts. Without Design and Technology, human beings would find every task a great deal more difficult. The first computers required the art of invention and designers strive to create the next new and exciting thing. Design and Technology combines skill, talent and creativity and allows pupils to work in a practical way to problem solve, innovate, and change the way we live.

Design and Technology is an excellent pathway to many careers. These range from direct pathways such as design, fashion, manufacturing, and production to other areas such as retail, education, training, sales, and marketing. There are in excess of 100 different career options that directly relate to Design and Technology, and the subject has a high employability rating.

KS3 - Design and Technology
KS3 - Design and Technology at Maiden Erlegh School is an inspiring, rigorous, and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, our pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing, and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising, and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. In Year 7 and 8, we lay the foundation for students to progress to KS4.

KS4 Design & Technology – Product Design
KS4 Design & Technology is an exciting, future-focused subject that empowers students to think creatively and solve complex problems. Through hands-on projects, students develop vital skills in design, engineering, and manufacturing, using state-of-the-art tools and technologies. The course provides an excellent foundation for careers in architecture, product design, engineering, and more, while also fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and innovation. As a pathway to KS5 Design & Technology and further education, this course opens doors to advanced study and career opportunities in rapidly growing industries. Embrace your creativity, build your skills, and shape the future.

KS5 Product Design 
With a qualification in product design you could go on to higher education, further education in a very broad range of degree courses or work in the design, engineering, or manufacturing industries. Former students who have followed this course now work in such diverse industries as jewellery, Formula One car design, general automotive design, domestic products, interior design, electronic goods, architecture and special effects design and manufacture. 

Course Content
The AQA Product Design course is a linear course students will study for two years. 

During the first year, they will start an NEA, Non-Examination Assessment, worth 50% of the final A level. This project is based on a design context set by the examination board. In the second year, students complete a second NEA, but this time have the freedom to design and make a product of their own choosing. The final 50% of the marks are available in two equally weighted two-hour final examinations. 15% of the examinations will refer to scientific and mathematical questions at higher tier GCSE maths level.