Inspiring Innovation. Empowering Problem-Solvers.
At Ballard School, Design & Technology (DT) is more than just a subject, it’s a launchpad for creativity, innovation, and real-world thinking. We encourage every pupil to become a confident problem-solver, ready to tackle challenges with imagination and resilience.
From the moment pupils step into our purpose-built DT lab, they are immersed in a dynamic environment where ideas come to life. With expert teachers, a dedicated technician, and a curriculum that blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, our students are empowered to design, create, and innovate.
Why Choose DT at Ballard?
- Hands-On Learning: Pupils work with a wide range of materials and tools, from wood and electronics to food and textiles.
- Modern Facilities: Our workshop features:
- A full suite of CAD/CAM tools
- 4 ultra-fast 3D printers
- 3 laser cutters and vinyl cutters
- Creative Freedom: Pupils explore projects in Food Technology, resistant materials, electronics, and computer-aided design and manufacture.
- Real-World Skills: We focus on developing practical abilities, critical thinking, and design thinking; skills that are essential for future careers in STEM, engineering, and beyond.
- A Culture of Excellence
Our DT department is thriving. At Key Stage 3, pupils experience a wide variety of projects that build their confidence and technical skills. At Key Stage 4, we offer GCSEs in Product Design and Food Technology (Food & Nutrition), with outstanding results.
GCSE DT is flourishing, with three full classes and nearly 40% female participation.
Our top-performing student recently achieved full marks in the GCSE NEA and was awarded a Grade 9.
Looking Ahead:
With a newly refurbished workshop, a refreshed DT curriculum from Lower Prep upwards, and a strong focus on STEM and engineering, Design & Technology at Ballard is growing stronger every year. We’re proud to be nurturing the next generation of designers, engineers, and innovators.
“Design is a way of life, a point of view… Aesthetics and economics, technology and psychology are intrinsically related to the process.”
— Paul Rand
Pre-Prep
In Pre-Prep, we cover all the different elements of the KS1 Design Technology curriculum over a 2-year program and link what we are doing with our topic work, whilst carrying out projects with real-life applications.
All design, make and evaluate assignments provide learning opportunities for developing creativity through designing skills such as generating, exploring, modifying ideas through drawing, modelling with materials and problem solving.
All Pre-Prep projects should include: Investigative, Disassemble and Evaluative Activities (IDEAs), where children learn from a range of existing products and find out about D&T in the wider world; Focused Practical Tasks (FPTs) where they are taught specific technical knowledge, designing skills and making skills; Design, Make and Evaluate Assignments (DMEA) where children create functional products with users and purposes in mind.
Year 1 – Food Technology, structures
Year 2 – Textiles (making a simple container or cushion), Mechanisms (moving pictures and books) and musical instruments (modelling with recycled materials)
In Early Years (Nursery, Kindergarten and Year R) – Design and Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, providing opportunities for children to explore, experiment and create. This includes engaging in various activities like making things with different materials, using tools safely, and thinking about the purpose of their creations.
Examples:
Building: Creating structures with blocks, building materials, or construction kits.
Cooking: Simple cooking activities using ingredients and tools.
Textiles: Making simple textile creations like pouches or puppets.
Mechanisms: Exploring simple mechanisms like levers and wheels.
Lower Prep
DT for Lower Prep pupils is a vibrant and hands-on subject that builds foundational skills in creativity, problem-solving, and practical making. Pupils will progressively build skills in:
- Creative thinking: Generating ideas and solving problems.
- Practical making: Cutting, joining, shaping, and assembling materials.
- Tool use: Safely using scissors, glue guns, saws, and basic electronics.
- Evaluation: Reflecting on their own and others’ designs.
- Understanding systems: Learning how mechanisms like levers, pulleys, and cams work.
Upper Prep
Upper Prep: Expanding Creativity and Independence
In Upper Prep, Design & Technology becomes more ambitious and exciting.
Pupils take on increasingly complex projects, learning new techniques and refining their practical skills. At this stage, we place a strong emphasis on:
- Problem-solving: Pupils are encouraged to think critically and find creative solutions.
- Independent learning: Students take ownership of their projects, developing confidence and self-direction.
- Design with purpose: Pupils begin to explore the wider impact of design on society, the environment, and the world around them.
This foundation prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of GCSE-level study and beyond.
Senior
Real-World Design, Real Results
Design & Technology is a popular and thriving subject at GCSE level at Ballard, with strong participation from both boys and girls.
Our pupils engage in meaningful, real-world design processes that include:
- Independent research visits
- Customer and user analysis
- Market research
- 3D modelling and prototyping
- Product testing and evaluation
These experiences help pupils connect their ideas to practical outcomes, developing a deep understanding of the design process from concept to creation.
Our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning is reflected in our excellent GCSE results. External moderators consistently praise the standard of work produced by our pupils and the thoroughness of our teaching approach.
A Portfolio for the Future
Throughout their DT journey, pupils build a professional-standard portfolio of work that showcases their creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving ability. This portfolio becomes a valuable asset for college and university applications, helping students stand out in competitive fields such as design, engineering, architecture, and product development.
