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Design & Technology

The Design & Technology curriculum at Southend High School for Boys.

Design & Technology

Curriculum intent

Design & Technology develops creative, innovative and resilient problem-solvers capable of designing solutions to real-world challenges. The curriculum combines practical making skills with engineering principles, scientific understanding and creative design thinking.

The department is built around five key concepts: Research, Design, Build, Test and Evaluate. Students learn how successful products are conceived, developed, manufactured and improved.

Design & Technology at SHSB

In the classroom

The student experience

Students experience a highly practical curriculum involving designing, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, electronics, product analysis and prototype development. Environmental sustainability and responsible design are embedded throughout the curriculum.

Year by year

Curriculum journey

Year 7
  • Fridge Magnet Project
  • Fuse Tester
  • Bridge Construction
  • Food Technology
Year 8
  • Phone Display Project
  • Light Activated Circuit
  • Racing Car Project
  • Food Technology
Year 9
  • Alessi Clock
  • Mechanical Toy
  • Garden Solar Light
  • Renewable energy
  • Product development
GCSE Product Design
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Materials technology
  • CAD/CAM
  • Product analysis
  • Coursework projects
A Level Product Design
  • Independent design projects
  • Commercial product development
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Sustainability studies

How pupils are assessed

Assessment

Assessment focuses upon design development, manufacturing quality, technical knowledge, evaluation and problem solving.

Beyond lessons

Enrichment opportunities

Robotics competitions
Engineering challenges
STEM activities
Design competitions
University outreach

Where it leads

Careers & progression

Engineering
Product Design
Architecture
Manufacturing
Construction
Industrial Design
Technology industries
​​YEAR 10 PEWTER CASTING 2026.pptx​​
​​YEAR 11 GCSE WORK 2026.pptx​​
​​YEAR 13 A LEVEL WORK 2026 1.pptx

Questions about Design & Technology?

Contact the Subject Leader via the school office.

Contact the school

Pastoral

Every student is known, valued and supported.

Curriculum

A world-class, ambitious curriculum that inspires a love of learning.

Enrichment

Explore, discover, and embrace new experiences.

Community

Part of something bigger, our wider school family.

Forti Nihil Difficile
With courage and determination, nothing is impossible

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