By Mrs Redfern (Head of Design Technology)

Our Year 10 Design Technology students have been working on an exciting project to create their own chocolate boxes. This hands-on task has given them the chance to use a variety of tools and techniques while building skills that will help with their future coursework.

The project started with students designing their boxes, thinking about how they would look and function. They moved through the design process from sketches to prototypes, making sure the boxes would safely hold and display the chocolates. Sustainability was also a key part of the project, with students considering eco-friendly materials and how to appeal to their target audience.

A big part of the task involved making moulds for the chocolates. Using hand tools, machines, and vacuum-forming equipment, students shaped polymer sheets into moulds. The vacuum-forming stage was a highlight, giving them a chance to see how industrial techniques can be adapted for their designs.

In the final stages of the project, students will cast their chocolates using the moulds they’ve created, completing the process from design to finished product. This has given them a practical insight into manufacturing and the level of care and precision it requires.

This project is a great example of how Design Technology encourages creativity and problem-solving while giving students valuable experience for their studies and future pathways.