DT & Food

The Team 

What is Design & technology and why is it important? 

Design and Technology is a creative subject that combines intellectual and practical skills through purposeful practical activities. Students at Eggar’s will respond to a need by developing a range of ideas to be applied in the manufacture of products and systems. They will also gain an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, industrial practices and how things work, and will develop a range of communication skills, including verbal and graphical expression and modelling. Through evaluation and reflection, they will become informed and discriminating product users. 

What is Food & Nutrition and why is it important? 

Food & Nutrition teaches students the principles of healthy eating, food science, and practical cooking skills. It covers topics such as nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and the science behind how ingredients work, helping students understand the relationship between diet and health. This subject is important because it equips young people with essential life skills, like preparing balanced meals and making informed food choices, while also raising awareness of issues such as sustainability and dietary needs. 

Summary of curriculum content 

Link to Design and Technology Learning Journey

Link to Food Technology Learning Journey

Design & Technology 

The curriculum covers core technical principles such as materials, systems, and manufacturing processes, alongside designing and making principles like user needs, research, and product development. Students also explore sustainability, new and emerging technologies, and the impact of design on society and the environment. A significant part of the course is the Non-Exam Assessment (NEA), where students complete a design project from concept through to a final prototype, helping them develop problem-solving, creativity, and technical skills. 

Food & Nutrition  

The AQA GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition course covers both practical cooking skills and the science behind food. Students learn about nutrition and health, including the role of different nutrients and how to plan a balanced diet for various needs. The course also explores food science topics such as how ingredients function, as well as food safety, hygiene, and preparation techniques. In addition, students study food provenance (where food comes from), sustainability, and the environmental impact of food choices. Alongside theory, there is a strong focus on developing practical skills through cooking a range of dishes, helping students become confident and independent in the kitchen. 

Challenge and support in Design & Technology and Food & Nutrition 

As pupils embark on their D&T journey, they develop their skills in order to produce high quality designing and making.  As pupils progress through the years they are challenged through individual creativity and teacher intervention.  Projects become more bespoke and by the time they get to Year 11 they are ready to take on the challenge of exploring their own context and developing solutions to a problem.  In both D&T and Food the work is differentiated for all levels of ability offering challenge to all.  Our technicians work alongside students in all classes to give a helping hand where needed.   

How is Design & technology and Food & Nutrition assessed?  

KS3 

In Key Stage 3, each project is assessed out of 100 marks. Every project is designed to develop a broad range of skills, including creativity, problem-solving, practical ability, and written communication. As part of the assessment process, we evaluate both the technical quality of students’ work and their understanding of key concepts. 

In addition to assessing subject-specific skills, we also allocate marks for engagement and effort. This ensures that students who consistently try their best and demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning are recognised and rewarded. 

KS4 

In Key Stage 4, pupils undertake a range of projects that are assessed using criteria aligned with the final GCSE Non-Exam Assessment (NEA). Each project is graded using GCSE-equivalent standards, helping students build the skills and understanding needed before beginning their final NEA. 

In Design and Technology, the NEA is a substantial design-and-make project worth 50% of the final grade. Students respond to a contextual challenge by researching, designing, and developing a product that meets the needs of a specific user. This involves producing a design portfolio, generating and modelling ideas, selecting appropriate materials and processes, and manufacturing a high-quality prototype. Throughout the project, students test, evaluate, and refine their work, demonstrating creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills. 

In Food Preparation and Nutrition, students complete two NEAs. The Food Investigation Task (NEA 1), worth 15% of the final grade, focuses on food science and requires students to investigate how ingredients work and present their findings in a written report. The Food Preparation Task (NEA 2), worth 35% of the final grade, is a practical assessment in which students plan, prepare, cook, and present a range of dishes in response to a given brief, supported by a written portfolio explaining their decisions and skills. 

Both subject follow the AQA Specifications 

Learning beyond the classroom 

Each year, the Design and Technology department organises guest speakers to deliver talks on future pathways beyond Eggar’s, including careers in engineering, architecture, and product design. The department also supports and guides aspiring engineers in applying for the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. 

A wide range of extracurricular opportunities are available, including clubs such as woodwork and electronics. Our students regularly take part in a powerboat challenge, achieving consistent success. In addition, we run an annual weekend woodwork masterclass as part of our Aspire Programme (MAT), as well as organising specialist workshops at Alton College and Farnham College. These masterclasses cover areas such as architecture, CAD, and marker rendering techniques. 

The department also arranges STEM visits to local industry and the University of Southampton, helping students gain insight into real-world applications and future career opportunities. 

Where can Design & Technology lead? 

Design and Technology can lead to a wide range of creative, technical, and engineering-based careers. Students develop skills in problem-solving, design thinking, and practical making, which are highly valued across many industries. Career pathways include engineering (such as mechanical, civil, or electrical), architecture, product and industrial design, and construction. It can also lead to roles in areas like graphic design, fashion and textiles, furniture design, and manufacturing. In addition, careers in emerging fields such as sustainable design, robotics, and CAD (computer-aided design) are increasingly popular, making Design and Technology a strong foundation for both traditional and modern, innovative industries. 

Where can Food & Nutrition lead? 

Food and Nutrition can lead to a wide range of careers in health, science, and the food industry. Students gain valuable knowledge about diet, wellbeing, and food preparation, alongside practical and organisational skills. Career pathways include dietetics, nutrition, and food science, as well as roles in the hospitality and catering industry such as chef, baker, or restaurant manager. It can also lead to opportunities in food development, food technology, and quality control within manufacturing. In addition, students may pursue careers in health promotion, education, or environmental and sustainability roles linked to food, making it a versatile subject with both practical and scientific applications.