Design Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, students design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art while building on their design and manufacturing skills and technical knowledge acquired during GCSE.

Through studying of the work of past and present designers, as well as the environmental impact that manufacturing has on the planet, students develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.  Students learn how products are designed and manufactured in modern industry, including exciting technological developments including finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics.  DT is an ideal subject for those considering a career in one of the many fields of engineering, as well as Product Design and Architecture since it provides the opportunity of applying some of the mathematical and scientific theoretical material studied in these subjects to more creative, problem-solving situations; it is therefore considered an ideal third A Level for those planning upon a career within these fields. 

The wider-world applications and career opportunities related to DT are further brought to life through visiting speakers (for example, a former RGS student who is currently in his third year of studying Product Design at university) and by the annual ‘Inspired by Engineering’ seminar at Warwick University each Autumn.  Through its unique, special nature and due to its relevance to a wide range of exciting careers, DT is a popular A Level choice at the RGS.