Design & Technology
Students studying Design & Technology at The Swan will embark on a journey of innovation, building upon the excellent foundations and creative success of Design and Technology at GCSE. Launching in 2026, this course offers students the choice between two specialist pathways: Fashion & Textiles or Product Design.
Our department is housed in new facilities, featuring dedicated Product Design and Textiles studios and a CAD/CAM suite. This environment allows students to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern industrial processes. Teaching is rigorously academic and technically demanding, yet we believe that bold creativity and iterative “risk-taking” are fundamental to the design process.
Our staff are exceptionally well-qualified, bringing diverse industry experience and specialist expertise into the classroom. They are dedicated to pushing students to move beyond the aesthetic to solve complex, real-world problems. Students develop making skills and knowledge of materials, techniques, and manufacturing.
Critical and contextual studies are an integral part of the curriculum. Students will analyse the impact of design on society, the environment, and the economy, learning from the great designers of the past to inform the innovations of the future.
Entry Requirements
5 in GCSE DT OR 5 in GCSE Art OR 5 in GCSE Computer Science
Candidates with a 4 may be considered following a GCSE NEA portfolio review
Specification
WJEC Eduqas A level in Design and Technology
Course Outline (Module, Weighting, Topics etc)
Component 1: Design and technology in the 21st Century. Written examination 3: hours. 50% of qualification
Component 2: Design and make project. Non-exam assessment (NEA): approximately 80 hours (in lessons). 50% of qualification
