Curriculum Intentions
Our purpose of study for Design and Technology
Through Design and Technology, we develop student’s abilities to be innovative problem solvers of real and relevant problems in inspiring and interesting contexts considering a wide range of needs and values. Our students take risks independently which develops their resilience and ability to manage themselves and increases their confidence. Through studying Design and Technology, our students become inquisitive critical thinkers who identify problems and develop an appreciation for continuous improvement. We develop discerning and informed consumers who understand their role in domestic and wider contexts. Design and Technology at Sandbach High School has a positive impact on the students that study it, the society that they are part of and the economies that they contribute to.
Our Vision
Teaching and Learning
We are and will continue to be driven by high quality teaching, which ignites passion, engages interest, promotes curiosity and develops knowledge and understanding for all individuals
Curriculum
Our curriculum will inspire our students to become passionate for our subject and develop creative ways to solve problems as individuals and in a team. They will see how their learning prepares them for a future in a modern, technical world.
Creativity and Imagination
We continuously build a solid foundation of skill, confidence, and independent thinking, which inspires students’ curiosity, imagination and creativity, creating a supportive environment which fosters risk taking and resilience
Creating Opportunity
We will provide our students with life changing experiences and opportunities.
Curriculum Lead
Mr D Massey – Curriculum Leader
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3
Our Key Stage 3 (KS3) curriculum is based on the national curriculum for Design and Technology, and whilst it prepares students for Key Stage 4, it strives to achieve a greater breath than that offered in the associated Key Stage 4 specifications. To achieve this, we deliver 13schemes of work over the 3 years covering topics from environmental issues to food provenance. We use a carousel, so students are taught by experts in the schemes of work delivered. The disciplines covered are Product Design, Engineering, Graphics, Textiles, Robotics, CAD, Food and Hospitality and Catering.
In addition to a broad curriculum, we also place great importance on the personal development of our students. Design and Technology is conveniently positioned to develop Independent and Autonomous learners, Reflective practitioners and Creative problem solvers.
Independent learners: We encourage students to take ownership of their work and we provide an environment where they feel confident and comfortable to ‘give it a go’ and learn from the experience.
Autonomous learners: Students manage their own progress and navigate their own learning journey in a supportive environment
Reflective practitioners: Our students reflect on their experiences and their progress; this then informs the next step of their learning journey and facilities their independent and autonomous learning.
Creative problem solvers: Our students solve problems and feel comfortable taking risks in their work. They are creative and they understand the importance of creativity.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, we offer a wide range of GCSE and vocational qualifications designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. As these are optional subjects, classes are mixed-ability and fully inclusive, ensuring there is something to suit every learner.
Our courses allow students to focus on areas of particular interest from their Key Stage 3 experience, while continuing to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of the designed world.
Our subjects are unique in that they are creative, practical, vocational, and focused on developing essential life skills, while remaining engaging and enjoyable.
We have achieved outstanding exam results, with some of the highest-performing subjects within one of Cheshire’s top-performing schools. In addition, students are given opportunities to broaden their experiences through educational visits — including recent trips to Paris and Florence — and to showcase their work in regional and national competitions.
Our students have enjoyed significant success, winning numerous awards at events such as the Big Bang Fair (the national science and engineering exhibition) and TeenTech.
Our alumni have gone on to achieve outstanding success in the fields of design, engineering, fashion, catering, and food science. Many have secured prestigious roles with world-leading organisations such as Dyson, Bentley, McLaren F1, Jaguar Land Rover, and Boeing, demonstrating the exciting pathways our subjects can open.
Key Stage 5
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, we offer a range of Level 3 courses in Food Studies, Product Design, and Fashion and Textiles. Each of these subjects includes at least 50% non-examination assessment (coursework), reflecting their varied and applied nature. They combine creativity with technical, scientific, and practical learning.
At this stage of their education, students are expected to take full responsibility for their learning — particularly for the planning, development, and execution of their projects. While this can be challenging, it is highly rewarding, fostering independence, confidence, and a strong sense of personal achievement.
Our students have won numerous national awards, providing them with exceptional opportunities and recognition. Teaching is delivered by subject specialists in state-of-the-art facilities, with access to both cutting-edge technologies and traditional equipment.
Further information on all of these courses is available on the Sandbach College webpage: https://www.sandbachcollege.co.uk/a-levels/
Qualifications
KS4
| Course | Qualification | Exam board | Lead Teacher |
| Product Design | GCSE | AQA | D. Massey |
| Graphics | GCSE | AQA | R. Hughes |
| Fashion and Textiles | GCSE | Edexcel | L Macdonald & K. Windle |
| Food Preparation and Nutrition | GCSE | WJEC | J. Haughton |
| Engineering | Level 1/2 Cambridge National | OCR | R. Hughes |
| Hospitality and Catering | Level 1/2 Vocational Award | WJEC | J. Unwin |
KS5
| Course | Qualification | Exam board | Lead Teacher |
| Product Design | A level | AQA | D. Massey |
| Fashion and Textiles | A level | AQA | L Macdonald & K. Windle |
| Food Science and Nutrition | Level 3 Diploma | WJEC | J. Haughton |
Wider Curriculum
We offer a vast range of extracurricular opportunities to our students.
STEM Club
Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) club is open to all students from Year 8 upwards. Our students have won many awards, including Young Engineers school of the Year, 9 Teentech awards and multiple Big Bang awards to name a few. Primarily students work in teams on projects that address real world problems. Examples of projects include lighting for disaster areas and rehabilitation aids for Stroke sufferers.
CAUC is our longstanding and very successful Greenpower electronic car team. Our students design manufacture and race electronic cars all over the country from Goodwood and Anglesey. They have been crowned international champions on a few occasions and are always working on their next car.
F1 In Schools
Our F1 in schools teams race small F1 style cars powered by CO2 canisters. Our teams have won the North West championships on several occasions.
Future chef
Future chef challenges students to device their own dish which are then judge against a variety of criteria including taste, health and originality. Our students have has much success in this competition in the past, particularly at the regional competitions
Arkwright scholarships
An Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is the most esteemed scholarship of its type in the UK, designed to inspire students to pursue their dreams and change the world as a future leader in engineering. We support applications from several students each year and have a strong record of our students winning scholarships.
Trips and Visits
Please see our car clubs webpage
We offer a variety of trips from day trips to residential, from a day in London to a week at NASA.
Social Media
Please follow our accounts on Twitter:
Main Design and Technology account: @SandhighDT
Textiles: @SandHighTex
Food studies: @SandhighFood
Useful Links
5 ways to help your child:
- Visit museums and exhibitions such as the V&A, New Designers, The Design Museum and Manchester Science and Industry Museum.
- Watch TV programs such as Grand Designs, The Great British Bake Off, Design for Life and Master Chef
- Cook, build, craft and design at home. There are some excellent STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) challenges available from organisations such as: Dyson https://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/resources/challenge-cards.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiApsiBBhCKARIsAN8o_4jE6AYk20Kukuct5x2B7f0xQKZUifyik6f7i1nPzwQqhjv0TPfAqHMaAmDuEALw_wcB National STEM Centre: https://www.stem.org.uk/resources/community/collection/165709/stem-resources
- Install relevant software on to your home computer, for example, Autodesk Inventor. We have an educational license, which allows students to install it on their home computers for free.
- Encourage your child to play with toys such as Lego and Meccano