Courses

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.

Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.

Overview

3D Design and Food Science

Introduction

3D design and food science is where your ideas take shape. You will explore and experiment with a range of materials and develop skills to allow you to produce 3-dimensional products, design ideas and creative food dishes. 3D design and food science offers you the chance to be ambitious, adventurous, and practical. From product design, props, architecture, costume, digital creations and food preparation, our aim is to guide students in making informed decisions in design and food science exploration. We endeavour to broaden the young minds of our students with challenging and enjoyable projects, which give students the chance to create realistic, personalised products.

Our specialist team of teachers and technicians are passionate about their teaching and subject, welcoming new technologies as well as respecting the traditional methods of the past. Our unique style of teaching and assessment within key stage 3 allows students to make rapid progress, and a rich and diverse key stage 4 offering provides our students with pathways into the increasingly expanding world of design and food science.

Course leader

Mrs S Lau

Return to key stage 3 courses

Curriculum

Course content

Across the key stage 3 curriculum, 3D design and food science is split into two distinct areas: 'core' and 'enhanced'.

Core 3D Design and Food Science

Within the core 3D design and food science, students will focus entirely on their practical skills with a view to producing a product using various materials and processes. These skills are grouped into:

3D CAD: digital design using Autodesk Inventor translating designs from 2D to 3D with future focus on 3D printed/scanned outcomes.
3D fabric: set and costume design incorporating textiles design, mixed material, 3D props and structures.
3D build: 3D builds ranging from architectural structures, resistant materials, 3D products and laser cut mixed materials.
3D model: 3D product design prototypes using mixed materials such as high-density foam and boards. Projects ranging from props to concept models.
Food science: function of nutrients in food. Menu proposals, food industry expectations. Food safety. Food preparation, cooking, and presentation.

Enhanced 3D Design and Food Science

The enhanced curriculum explores the theoretical and design side of our subject and students will produce a range of work that exhibits skills across the various areas of 3-dimensional design. Projects evolve and are adapted frequently to reflect the ever-changing subject of design.

Topics

Year 7

3D build: Tower of Hanoi - basic and advanced practical skills with a focus on materials and quality of production.
3D CAD: robot – using the latest 3D CAD software, students will design a virtual robot to introduce and develop their 3D CAD skills.
3D model: light sabre - introduction to modelling high density foam based on 3D movie props and prototypes using ergonomics as a design focus.
3D fabric: body adornment - introductory skills to sewing techniques, textiles and costume design using mixed materials to produce 3D outcomes.
Food science: introduction to nutrients and the chemical and functional properties of food in cooking, including basic food hygiene and preparation skills.

Year 8

Food science 1: international cuisine - exploring international food and presentational techniques.
Food science 2: the functions of food - exploring the chemical and functional properties of food in cooking, including basic food hygiene and preparation/presentation skills.
3D CAD: trains - advanced CAD skills using scale and measuring to create realistic models.
3D build: gaming wheel - using advanced manufacturing skills and a variety of resistant materials to make a 3D functional product.
3D model: cardboard prototyping - recycled cardboard model making a series of products including SLR/digital camera prototypes.

Year 9

Food science: students will be introduced to the concept of our key stage 4 options and focus on food presentation and popular food culture.
3D CAD: advanced CAD - designing and creating complex 3D models using CAD software. Exploring a range of product design areas from jewellery to lighting.
3D build: architecture - exploring how architectural models are created using advanced card cutting techniques and mixed materials to produce a scaled 3D architectural model.
3D model: the house on the hill: 3D model-making using mixed materials, clay and high-density foam to create 3D sculptures.