Art, Design & Technology

The Art, Design & Technology department at St Matthew Academy is made up of five subject disciplines: Art, Design & Technology, Food Preparation & Nutrition, Textiles and Photography.

All subjects work collaboratively, sharing good practice and resources across the disciplines. As an all-through Academy, we also benefit from close collaboration with our primary colleagues.

We are committed to helping all pupils progress, develop and achieve their full potential in a fun, positive environment. We often integrate opportunities to bring learning to life through the varied topics and out-of-class learning experiences. We promote an educational culture which is diverse, creative, experimental, scientific and technological. We pride ourselves with equipping young minds for life and work in a creative field and provide opportunities for this to be realised in the classroom through a sense of awe and wonder with the skilled outcomes they produce.

Art

Key Stage 3

In Years 7 and 8, pupils experience the Art, Design and Technology subjects in a carousel. They have lessons in each discipline during the academic year, completing projects that combine common skills across the subjects with subject-specific skills.

In Year 9, pupils can select one or two of the subjects to continue to learn in greater depth, building their knowledge and skills further in order to progress to the next stage of their learning journey.

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11, pupils can choose to follow one of the Art, Design and Technology subjects at GCSE level. At the end of KS4, pupils studying the Creative Arts and Design & Technology subjects have the opportunity to showcase their fantastic final pieces in our KS4 exhibition.

D&T: Food and Nutrition

Year 7

Pupils are introduced to Food and Technology in Year 7 with a focus on food hygiene and the practical skills required to work safely within a professional kitchen environment. Pupils practice these skills by preparing and cooking a range of healthy meals. They are given an insight into the nutritional value of foods, focusing on the Eatwell plate and the importance of having a healthy diet. They should leave Food and Nutrition in Year 7 with the knowledge and competency required to work independently in a kitchen. Pupils are assessed on a single practical outcome and a short written assessment focused on nutrition.

Year 8

Throughout this subject, pupils discuss Food Hygiene and Safety issues related to working in the kitchen. They build on knowledge from Year 7 by developing an understanding of dietary requirements, malnutrition and health problems related to a deficiency or excess of food groups. They are introduced to the science behind their cooking and begin to understand terms such as macronutrients, micronutrients, protein coagulation and protein denaturation.

Pupils will prepare and cook a range of healthy meals which allow them to further understand concepts related to food science.

Pupils are assessed on a single practical outcome and a short written assessment focused on food science and nutrition.

Year 9

In Year 9 pupils continue to develop their understanding around the themes of Food Nutrition and Health, Food Safety and Food Science. This includes looking in more depth at the topics of nutrition and food-related health problems. They are also introduced to the subjects of Food Choice and Food Provenance where they will explore where food comes from, the sustainability of food, different food-related choices people make such as veganism and the technological developments in food production. They are also encouraged to explore the safe working practices within the industry. Pupils gain knowledge about food contamination and bacteria and discuss ways in which cross-contamination can be prevented. Pupils begin developing the knowledge they will need for their GCSE and cover areas such as Food, Nutrition and Health, Food Safety and Food Science.

Pupils are given an opportunity to prepare and cook a range of dishes which are focused on developing their food preparation skills.

Pupils are assessed on a variety of different practical outcomes, including two mock NEAs which helps to develop skills required for Y11. They will also be assessed through mini-tests throughout the year and two formal ranking exam papers.

Year 10

In this year the course focuses on providing pupils with the necessary skills and subject knowledge to form the foundation from which they will complete their NEA and examination in Year 11. This year pupils continue to look into food technology as a science covering more complex concepts. They learn how to plan and conduct food science experiments and investigate the functional and chemical properties of different ingredients.

Pupils prepare and cook a range of foods demonstrating their understanding of food science and the functional and chemical properties of food. They are also encouraged to develop complex practical skills such as pasta making, filleting fish and jointing chicken. Pupils will continue to develop their understanding around the themes of nutrition, food safety, food choice and food provenance, looking into issues studied in Year 9 with more depth.

Pupils are assessed on a variety of different practical outcomes, including two mock NEAs which helps to develop skills required for Year 11. They will also be assessed through mini-tests throughout the year and two formal ranking exam papers.

Year 11

In Year 11 pupils complete their two NEA tasks which, combined, are worth 50% of their GCSE. The first task is an investigation into the functional and chemical properties of an ingredient. The second task is a food preparation task, where they plan a menu for a chosen life stage, dietary need, or culinary tradition; this task involves a 3-hour practical examination where they must prepare, cook, and serve 3 dishes. These two tasks give pupils an opportunity to demonstrate the theoretical knowledge and practical skills developed so far.

In addition to these two elements of the course, the pupils continue to develop their understanding of the five key topic areas in preparation for their final exam, which will contribute the other 50% towards their GCSE. These areas are Food, Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Food Safety, Food Choice, and Food Provenance.

Please see the source below for more information regarding the course and specification.

Examination information Link

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities

We are committed to ensuring that pupils leave with the necessary life skills and there is no better way than to learn how to cook and keep yourself healthy.

In Food Technology there are many opportunities for pupils to develop these skills as part of an enrichment programme. We have already had a group of young pupils support the Summer Fayre by baking a batch of cakes to support the charity event.

D&T: Product Design

Design and Technology is part of everyday life and constantly evolving. In Design and Technology, pupils are developing practical skills as well as life skills. They will learn skills in a particular material area such a wood, plastic, metal, paper and card. Pupils will be able to follow a design process to help manufacture high-quality outcomes. They will learn transferable skills such as how to communicate and collaborate with other pupils. They will learn how real-life designer work in the industry and how the manufacturing process work to enable designers to produce the products that we use today.

Pupils will start to understand how to work from a contextual challenge to brainstorming ideas and using computer software to show how their idea would look in 3D. They will be able to use tools and equipment with a range of material choices to make their ideas come to life. Pupils will be able to learn theory within fun and engaging practical lessons. They will be encouraged to design products that will benefit people and solve real-life solutions.

Design and Technology allow pupils to transfer their knowledge from other subjects such as Art, Geography, Business Studies, English, Science and Maths. The theory will consist of Science and Maths within materials areas. This will be assessed in their GCSE exam which is worth 15% Maths and 15% Science. The coursework will consist of 50% of their grade and the exam paper will be 50% of their final grade.

Pupils will be able to go onto the following careers in the industry:

Engineer
Designer
Architect
Interior designer
And many more.

Pupils will be able to attend trips to attend exciting trips to get their imaginations going and have a look at possible career paths in the future.

Design Museum to look at past and present iconic design and attend workshops
BMW Mini factory tour joint with Business studies to allow them to see how cars are made in the industry on a production line.
STEM workshops to gain an understanding of how science maths plays a huge part in DT.

Year 7

Project: Making a Desk tidy for home

Pupils will be focusing on how to analyse a contextual challenge preparing them for the GCSE. They will be able to use different methods to help generate innovative ideas. During the process, they will learn how to draw in 2 point perspective and render their work to make it look more realistic. They will then go onto understand how to use tools and equipment and how important health and safety is in the workshop. This year is an experimental project that allows the pupils to use all the tools and the machines in the classroom. They will use a range of materials such as wood, plastic and card. They will learn how to create designs in 2D and 3D software such as 2D Design and Sketch-up making designing come alive.

Year 8

Project: Computing and programming

Pupils will be engaged in short experimental workshops where every day they learn something different. They will learn how to draw and develop ideas from unusual images to create a unique design idea. They will be taught short tutorials to get used to using a range of tools on 3D software (sketch up). Where they will be able to design their own product from their creative drawings. Pupils will get to use a software called crumble where they can learn how to control electronics with programming codes and be able to move a buggy around the classroom.

KS3 DT Club

DT club is available for pupils on Monday after school at 15.30-16.30 to allow pupils to further their skills and passion for design and technology.

Year 9

Term 1

Pupils will be focusing on Make only tasks to allow them to build their making skills. Pupils will learn how to use tools and equipment safely to make their own wooden carriage. This will allow them to learn joining methods and further their confidence and skills on machines. They will be able to learn how to solder electronics and make a LED light turn on and off with a switch. They will understand the science between movement in the form of linear and reciprocating movement. At the end of the product, the will learn the correct finishes to use on the correct types of wood and their properties.

Term 2

Pupils will be focusing on computer skills. They will learn how to use 2D design to make a product that can be sold in stores. This will allow them to think independently on the best way to join the components together for the best fit. They will understand why products are packaged and be able to use a range of classroom tools to assemble the product to together.

Term 3

Pupils will do mini coursework based on a contextual challenge. It will be based around lighting. This will allow pupils to think of real-life challenge that people face today and start to solve problems on their own. This will allow them to use the skills they have previously learnt based on their research they can found to design a range of possible ideas to make as their final design. Pupils will learn the importance of planning ahead and carefully thinking about their design to ensure the best fit.

Year 10

Pupils will be given contextual challenges for real-life situations where they are able to design to meet the needs of their consumer. Following the design process will enable pupils to see how products are made in the industry and the thought process that allows a design to be successful during production. They will undertake 2 sets of coursework which will fully prepare them for their contextual challenge given by the exam board in June which they will start to work on throughout year 11.

Pupils will have theory lessons to gain knowledge of material areas and manufacturing processes.

Year 11

Pupils will be given the contextual challenge by the exam board. They will be working through the coursework independently, alongside theory lesson to help with exam practice.

Textiles

Textiles are all around us—woven into every aspect of daily life. From clothing, furnishings, and bags to architectural structures, parachutes, kites, and sails, textiles remain a vital and ever-evolving part of society. They are not only practical and functional but also an endless source of creativity and expression. This makes Textiles a unique subject that bridges the worlds of Art and Design & Technology, while also standing strong in its own right.

At St Matthew Academy, Textiles is delivered within the Art, Design & Technology carousel. This means pupils build a versatile skill set, preparing them to progress into either Art or Design & Technology at KS4, depending on their interests and ambitions. The Art pathway in Textiles nurtures imagination, individuality, and creative flair—ideal for those drawn to artistic and vocational opportunities. The Design & Technology pathway emphasises technical knowledge, problem-solving, opportunities to incorporate smart materials, and product functionality, equipping students with essential design engineering skills.

Pursuing Textiles can open doors to a variety of exciting careers, including:

Fashion Designer – shaping trends and creating garments for different markets.
Textile Technologist – developing innovative fabrics and testing material performance.
Interior Designer – designing soft furnishings and fabric-based solutions for living spaces.
Product Developer – bringing new textile products from concept to market.
Costume Designer – creating unique costumes for theatre, film, and performance.

Through this subject, students not only gain practical making skills but also learn to think critically and creatively—skills that are valuable across a wide range of future pathways.

Pursuing Textiles can open doors to a variety of exciting careers, including:

Fashion Designer – shaping trends and creating garments for different markets.
Textile Technologist – developing innovative fabrics and testing material performance.
Interior Designer – designing soft furnishings and fabric-based solutions for living spaces.
Product Developer – bringing new textile products from concept to market.
Costume Designer – creating unique costumes for theatre, film, and performance.

Through this subject, students not only gain practical making skills but also learn to think critically and creatively—skills that are valuable across a wide range of future pathways.

Key Stage 3

At KS3, Textiles is taught as a standalone subject, offering pupils a balance of practical skills, creativity, and theoretical understanding. The curriculum has been carefully designed to reflect the subject’s place within both Design & Technology and Art, helping pupils to build a strong foundation of knowledge while also developing their imagination and problem-solving skills.

Through their studies, pupils learn about fabric classifications, construction methods, and performance, as well as the role of textiles in the fashion and product industries. Alongside this, they are encouraged to experiment with materials, exploring texture, manipulation, and surface decoration to understand the versatility of textiles as a medium.

Year 7

Pupils complete a wall hanging or fibre art piece based on the theme Around the World. This project introduces them to decorative techniques such as combining fabrics, stitching, and colour application. Pupils draw inspiration from global landmarks and their own cultural background, supporting both creative expression and technical development.

Year 8

The theme Protest and Cause encourages pupils to think critically about social, economic, and environmental issues. They design and make a functional tote bag that communicates a message, developing practical skills in product construction and learning to use a range of specialist tools, equipment, and materials.

Year 9

Pupils build on their prior knowledge through the theme Metamorphosis, customising a T-shirt into either a sports or music-inspired garment. This project challenges them to select appropriate methods and processes independently, demonstrating their growing confidence and ability to produce innovative and well-crafted outcomes.

By the end of KS3, pupils have not only developed a strong set of technical skills but also gained valuable experience in creativity, critical thinking, and design — skills that support progression into KS4 and beyond.

Key Stage 4

Studying Textiles at GCSE level gives students the chance to explore both the creative expression of Art—through colour, form, pattern, and aesthetic design—and the technical precision of Design & Technology, where function, innovation, and material science come to the forefront. Students may choose to expand their knowledge and creativity within textiles by opting to progress through the art route in this course, for others they may choose design and technology where textiles is taught focusing on the materials working and physical properties.

This two year course allows students to investigate the work of leading artists and textile designers, experiment with processes such as weaving, dyeing, printing, and embroidery, and develop practical skills in manipulating fibres, yarns, and fabrics to create their own outcomes.

Year 10

Throughout year 10 students are expected to generate a portfolio of work which closely link to teacher led project themes. These often mirror or connect with themes taught in Art and Design but are adapted to suit the textiles discipline. Each project contributes to their coursework, encouraging students to explore the work and style of other designers of their choice. At this stage all project work makes up 60% of their final GCSE grade.

Year 11

In Year 11, students are guided to refine and strengthen the skills they developed in Year 10. They then undertake a final externally set assessment project provided by the exam board. This project is designed to showcase their learning journey and allows them to create a personal, meaningful final outcome. Past project titles have included themes such as “Fragments” and “Reflection”, giving students the opportunity to interpret ideas in their own unique way while demonstrating technical mastery and creative independence. The project is released in January and leads into the final 10-hour exam, which accounts for 40% of the overall course.

By the end of the course, students not only complete a high-quality portfolio that reflects their skills, creativity, and innovation but are also equipped with the confidence to pursue further study or work in the field of textiles. Their portfolio serves as both a record of achievement and a springboard for future pathways in areas such as fashion, interior design and other creative avenues.

Enrichment & Extra-Curricular

The department are now offering opportunities for students to attend a textiles club, where they are able to practise, refine, and enhance the skills developed in lessons.

Project outcome are based on the skill level of the group and can be adapted to suit students’ needs. The classroom is open to students one day each week where they are able to work on practical pieces or use the resources to support their homework outcomes. Project are run by Miss Chen and Miss Briscoe.

Enrichment & Extra-Curricular

Assessment Details - Edexcel
Component 1: Personal Portfolio	Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
What's assessed?
AO1 Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources. AO2 Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes. AO3 Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses. AO4 Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.
Personal Portfolio: 60% 120 guided hours: 72 marks This comprises of three main units of work practical final practical outcomes which follow a specified theme. Pupils will be expected to have several complete sketchbooks. Independent work outside of the classroom will be expected. All work completed in Year 10 and 11 contribute to the final GCSE grade.	Externally Set Assignment: 40% 72 marks (18 marks for each of the four Assessment Objectives) Externally set themed paper. Pupils will produce an A3 sketchbook of research prior to the 10 hour practical exam.

Useful Website Addresses for Textile Technology

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zjc3rwx/revision/1

http://design-technology.info/page13.htm https://www.textileartist.org/

https://www.lovehappensmag.com/blog/2014/11/26/top-50-fashion-designers-of-all-time/

Revision Books

AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology: Amanda Dick, Liz hardy, Denise Davies
Textiles Technology: Rose Sinclair and Sue Morgan Heinemann
The Sewing Book: Alison Smith Dorling Kindersley
Textiles Technology: Alison Bartle & Bernie O’Connor Causeway Press Ltd 1

How will your work and progress be assessed?

You will receive verbal feedback on your progress and discuss targets to improve your work. This will include assessment of your written work (e.g. analysing the work of others), your oral communication skills (e.g. during class, when giving presentations) and the motivation and commitment you demonstrate.

You will receive verbal feedback on how to improve your work and have termly targets which you will need to track with guidance.

Component one of the course is your personal portfolio (coursework) this will be internally marked and externally moderated. Component two of the course will be an external practical exam which will run over two days.

Where might Textiles Technology lead you?

Textiles Technology provides you with skills and techniques which could lead you into a career in one of the following fields. Fashion Designer, Seamstress, Interior Designer, Project Management, Textile Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Retail, Clothing and Textiles Technologist.