Introduced to pupils from Years 3 - 8, the Design Technology curriculum at The Downs Malvern is designed to introduce and embed essential practical skills and knowledge through a progressive approach to learning.
The projects undertaken focus on key areas, including the design process, construction with resistant materials (wood, plastic, card), technology (IT, robotics), and food technology and preparation.
Additionally, co-curricular activities offer opportunities for pupils to explore textiles and cooking.
Whether in the classroom or workshop, our facilities provide an inspiring and solid foundation for exploration, with a diverse range of outcomes; from crafting wooden dragster cars and coding robotics to developing products for home life or even humanitarian crises.
Pupils have access to a variety of tools and equipment, including Hegner saws, pillar drills, sanders, and an array of hand tools. They also benefit from hands-on demonstrations from Malvern College’s expert staff, incorporating more advanced equipment such as laser cutters. The culinary side is equally well-equipped, with eight-station kitchen hobs, a professional oven, and all necessary scales, bowls, and utensils for preparing a range of sweet and savoury dishes.
The emphasis, however, is not solely on the end products but on the journey itself. We encourage an engaged and ambitious approach, promoting resilience and appreciating the learning opportunities and successes that emerge at each stage, with creative, practical problem-solving at the heart of what we do. For those inclined to pursue the subject further, DT scholarships are available at senior school.
Our ultimate goal by the end of Year 8 is for each pupil to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of design and technology, evidenced through their ability to enjoy designing and making within a safe environment, developing creative and problem-solving skills, conducting research collaboratively, expressing designs visually, evaluating their work, and understanding the importance of different stages in the design process.