Our Design & Technology and Food Preparation curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills step by step. It aims to inspire curiosity, raise aspirations and showcase the wide range of opportunities available in the creative industries from engineering and product design to culinary arts and nutrition. Through hands-on experiences, industry links and real-world projects, we help students develop practical expertise, creativity and a strong sense of responsibility, preparing them for success both at Parmiter’s and beyond.

We aim to enable every student to excel

We start with fundamental skills such as safe tool use, basic food preparation and the design process, ensuring that every student has a secure foundation. From here, they progress to more complex and ambitious projects that encourage independence and resilience. Students are taught not just to follow instructions, but to problem-solve, refine their work and think critically about how design and technology shape society and the wider world.

Practical, real-world projects bring learning to life and are enriched by input from industry professionals and alumni. Trips and visits, including design companies, UK manufacturing plants, museums, Disneyland Paris and local farms, broaden experiences and provide authentic insight. Our partnership with West Herts College further enhances opportunities, enabling students to develop high-level culinary skills using professional catering facilities.

We aim to broaden and nurture students’ interests

Our curriculum offers students the chance to explore a wide range of subjects and experiences in a hands-on environment, from graphics and computer-aided design to nutrition and food science. Co-curricular clubs, including eco-home, graphics and robotics club, extend learning beyond the classroom, while GCSE Food, Preparation and Nutrition students benefit from “Open Kitchen” sessions that provide space for creativity and experimentation.

We encourage students to showcase their talents through local and national competitions, such as STEM challenges and creative exhibitions. Portfolio development is encouraged, helping students to record projects, designs and reflections that support progression to further study or employment.

We aim to develop students’ sense of self and community

Our curriculum provides a safe and supportive environment where students can express themselves and reflect on their values through the design process. They are encouraged to consider how their work impacts others, communicate effectively and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives.

In Food, students learn crucial life skills, including how to cook a repertoire of healthy, predominantly savoury dishes. They also develop an understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the ethical, environmental and economic influences on food choices. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions, while the wider curriculum encourages social responsibility and an awareness of their role in shaping a sustainable future.