Head of Design & Technology

The Lower School (Year 7 to Year 9) curriculum has been carefully crafted and sequenced to encourage independent learning, develop designing and making skills, alongside improving examination technique. Classes are taught on a carousel basis and transfer to a new project at the end of every term. Pupils study a range of theoretical and practical lessons based on three main areas of focus: Product Design, Engineering and Food Technology. Three lessons are taught over two weeks, within which, one is a double period. We use a range of assessment and investigations to introduce, consolidate and extend pupils’ understanding of the subject. We encourage pupils to develop a more in-depth understanding of the principles they are currently learning, and this gives them a wider breadth of knowledge.

Examination Results

The Design and Technology department has a track record of examination success: at GCSE, 60% of the 2025 cohort achieved grades 8-9, while 88% achieved grades 7-9. At A-Level, students achieved 44% A*-A and 100% achieved A*-B. Students leaving the School to study Design and Technology at university often do so at prestigious institutions.

What the school offers its staff

The Design and Technology Department at Westcliff High School for Boys (WHSB) has been a high performing Department for many years. It has consistently achieved outstanding results at GCSE and A Level and ranks amongst the best performing departments within the School. The Department has grown considerably in previous years. There are presently six classes taking GCSE Design and Technology in Year 10 and Year 11 and, Sixth Form numbers are regularly in the double figures. The Department plays an important role in the extra-curricular life of the School. We offer a variety of additional clubs which students can attend, aimed at enriching their experience and extending the more able. In the Lower School we offer Technology Club, CAD Club and the Robotics Society. In the Middle School, pupils have the opportunity to be part of the Arkwright Scholarship programme and Engineering Society, whilst in the Upper School, students can take part in the Industrial Cadet Gold Award and Gold CREST Awards, which includes annual residential visits to the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. The department also benefits from a thriving Food Technology department with opportunities to attend eFood Society or Gastronomy Club.

Accommodation and Facilities

The Technology Department occupies two workshops, a computer suite and one Food room within its own distinct building. In September 2018, the department underwent a full refurbishment to modernise facilities and create a fresh and attractive teaching environment. On a practical level, both workshops are complemented by a full range of traditional machinery including centre lathes, milling machine, brazing hearth, wood lathe and mortiser. Interest in CADCAM has increased significantly in recent years which has led to further investment in a 60W Laser Cutter and eight 3D printers.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), medical, online and social media prohibition from teaching, right to work, satisfactory references, suitability to work with children. You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.