A celebration of work from our GCSE, A-Level and IB students.
Step into a world where creativity meets innovation. This year’s Design Show celebrates the bold ideas, refined craftsmanship, and visionary thinking of our talented designers. From experimental concepts to market-ready solutions, I wanted to congratulate each and every one of our students on completing their GCSE, A-level and IB coursework. Each exhibit showcases the passion and perseverance behind the design process. We invite you to explore, be inspired, and engage with the future of design through the eyes of our emerging creatives. For Year 11 students moving up to 6th form this is just the beginning. Year13 are moving forward into different areas of Engineering, Product Design, Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and one becoming a teacher! We wish you all the best and look forward to welcoming you back in the future to inspire the next generation of Royal High School students.
Torie Gill Head of Faculty
Everything in the show is live coursework so please do not publish any photographs on social media.
We would like to thank Mr Hardcastle for his time and excellent photography skills.
Amelia-Jane
Context: eating away from home
Picnic table
I chose the ‘eating away from home’ context for my GCSE project because it allowed me to make a multifunctional table which my client could use for picnics, camping and sharing food with others. When designing my table I went through lots of testing to find the best shaped table for my client which had enough space to eat on. I then came across the idea of using pull out hexagons to add surface area to my table which also fold away when the table is carried. My table had fold away legs and removable lazy susan handle to make it easier to carry so that it is accessible for all. Overall I have enjoyed designing and making my table as I’ve used lots of different skills.
Danai
Context: eating away from home
Picnic table
For my GCSE project I designed a small picnic table with storage and detachable legs made from plywood, aluminium, and biodegradable polymer. I have a lot of family and friends who enjoy outdoor activities, and felt ‘eating away from home’ allowed me to go down the route of woodworks or textiles. Designing my table developed my DT skills such as my hand -drawing and using different software like shapr3D. I was able to meet most of my client’s key criteria whilst sticking to my theme. I enjoyed the making process as I was able to become more familiar with machines in the workshop.
Darcey
Context: eating away from home
Travel table with bag
For my coursework, I chose the brief of ‘eating away from home’.
I made a travel table that folds up into a bag. My inspiration was from a surfboard and the beach, I made the table the shape of a surfboard and included blue cup holders with waves on, to match the theme. I explored into eating outdoors and the problems and opportunities that occur. I then focused within eating on the beach and focused on the aesthetics of the table to ensure that it was visually fun to look at. I really enjoyed the making process and am pleased with my outcome.
I would definitely recommend DT GCSE as it has helped me to develop my problem solving skills and creative thinking.
Grace
Context: supporting or participating in a sport
Laptop stand with bag
My project is a laptop stand that folds flat and is easily adjustable to different heights so it can be used comfortably sitting or standing. I also made a bag that can contain the stand and your laptop.
I thoroughly enjoyed this process, truly a beautiful journey that has taught me so much about myself. I loved the fact that I defined the steps of my project and could actually be independent within it. It forced me to be organised and consider all important points at once.
Context: supporting or participating in a sport
Portable storage for valuables
For my coursework, I designed and made a set of stacking boxes designed to keep valuable items safe from theft and damage while rowing. Each layer has a 3D printed insert to make it easy to see if your valuable items have been stolen or if you have forgotten something, but also to prevent your items from rattling around and breaking.
I used the laser and wood stains to decorate the outside of each layer with my local rowing club’s oar design and club logo. Making this project was really fun and interesting, and I really enjoyed learning about different methods of manufacture and design, and incorporating them into my project.
Martha
Context: educational toys and games
Busy board
For my piece of coursework, I chose the theme of educational toys and games, specifically toys for toddlers and pre-schoolers. After investigating the context, I designed a busy board that will grow with the toddler. I wanted to make sure that the toy was able to have multiple inserts aimed at different age ranges, whilst also being engaging and fun for the toddler to play with. I am happy with the finished product as I have been able to hit many EYFS skills whilst the product is still engaging and fun for the toddler to play with. I really enjoyed analysing existing products on the market and throughout the project, my drawing and woodworking skills have really improved.
Ruby
Context: supporting or participating in a sport
Fashionable sports top
For my piece of coursework I chose the theme of sports, specifically sports clothing for women. I was particularly drawn to this theme as I feel it is very relevant to our all girls school environment and my own experiences. I intended to create a piece of clothing specifically designed and engineered to fit and flatter the female form, providing comfort and confidence to the wearer.
I achieved this by using soft stretchy fabric and by attaching flattering lines using binding. I also decided that storage was an important factor so I added a pocket to pouch feature meaning the user can store essential items whilst exercising in the pocket and store the top after exercising. This project has been very exiting, and has taught me a multitude of practical skills, although it was stressful at times I really enjoyed it!
Sophie
Context: supporting or participating in a sport Pannier bag
For my coursework project I created a multi-use pannier bag that could be used to carry work materials and gym equipment. While making this project I enjoyed learning new techniques and exploring my ideas. I felt very supported throughout this project not only with my project but also advice on future pathways and opportunity’s. This project also worked well alongside my art GCSE allowing me to express my creativity through design ideas and practical learning.
For my project, I made an outfit for dining out, featuring modesty shorts, hidden pockets and, to finish, a shawl to keep warm, paired with a corset. I’m really pleased with how my product turned out!
The process of bringing my design from paper to life was incredibly fun and exciting. The whole experience helped me grow as a designer, and I’m excited about what I can create next!
Sumaya
Context: eating away from home
Skort for special occasions
Darby
My A-level coursework project is a chair that allows people to sit in multiple positions. The primary function of this chair is to provide physical support for teenagers during study. The chair is made of pine for its main structure and foam for both the seat and cross rails. It is characterised by its unique aesthetic features. I was inspired by a stingray and designed the seat base in the shape of its body, with cross rails representing the bone structure of its wings. I am excited to continue my journey into Mechanical Engineering.
Georgia
A-LEVEL
For My A-Level DT project, I have created a chair for university students. My client specified that they struggle with finding multi-functional furniture that they can use, store stuff in it and store it away, so I have created a chair with a shelf and built in drawer, that folds into itself creating storage opportunities and the necessary space-saving needed for the university life.
The main inspiration for my design came from natural forms and in particular oak leaves. I used this inspiration to create the functional and aesthetic design on the legs of the chair, using the curves of the leaf to create an adjustable seat back.
I am very grateful for DT as I believe that it has taught me key skills that I will take with me throughout my life, whether this is physically fixing and building things around my home, or using the resourcefulness and independence that I have learned to help me in the future.
Kopikha
For my A-Level Design and Technology project, I designed a sustainable wall-mounted desk inspired by the Golden Ratio to optimise space in a modern working environment. I explored mechanisms such as organ stop-inspired peg systems for adjustable height and used hollowed cardboard inserts to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
I truly enjoyed combining creativity with practical problem-solving, testing design ideas, and discovering how minor adjustments could significantly enhance usability. This project deepened my understanding of user-centred design, ergonomics, and sustainability.
I’m incredibly thankful for DT; it has allowed me to connect creativity, engineering, and real-world thinking in a way that no other subject has. This has inspired me to pursue Civil Engineering at university, where I hope to carry forward my passion for innovative and sustainable design on a larger scale.
Maggie
My context for my coursework was ‘travel’. My client wanted a bag suitable for travel that is fully secure. She also had specific requirements for the colour, structure, and size of the bag. To meet all the requirements, I made an inner bag purely for storage and an outer bag for protection. The material I used for the two bags are different, I used cotton to made inner bag to keep it lightweight and to be able to create a beautiful looking bag. The outer bag I used PVC, this is because it’s durable and waterproof. The PVC outer bag was lined with metal rods for added protection from thieves who might cut a bag to get at the contents. The two bags join to create one bag that provides protection whilst travelling and cotton beautiful bag for once at your destination.
I have enjoyed the design process of Product Design and I am looking forward to continuing this at degree level.
Elisabeth
My innovative kitchen tool is designed to empower individuals with limited joint mobility by making it easier and safer to lift heavy pans off the stove. Combining ergonomic design with durable, heat-resistant materials, the device provides a stable, supportive grip that reduces strain on wrists, elbows, and fingers. Whether recovering from injury, living with arthritis, or simply seeking added support, users can enjoy greater independence and confidence in the kitchen. This product reflects my commitment to inclusive design—helping everyone cook with comfort, dignity, and ease.
Ellie
For my IB project I designed and made a bike storage unit to allow students and inner-city workers to keep their bikes indoors to reduce the risk of theft. It features additional storage for sunglasses, cleats and clothing to organise cycling accessories and efficiently use the dead space behind the bike. Although I had some problems with strength to weight ratios of certain materials and errors in my 3D design, I worked through these and ended up with a project that fitted my design specification and successfully stored a bike! From IB DT I have learnt time management, analysis and coursework skills I’m going to carry forwards into my mechanical engineering degree.
Eva
At the start of the course we were asked to find a local problem we wanted to solve. My main aim was to make the communal shower experience easier; my product is a carrier for shower products that has a temporary wall hanging system that also provides additional hanging space for any clothes or towels.
Through the IB course I have learnt so much about the different steps taken in the design process from the persona research breaking down the usage of a product by a user, step by step, to the final life cycle analysis of the product to assess the environmental impact. It has been a great experience and I have really enjoyed the iterative design process using the 3D printer.
As we conclude the year the Design Technology department is proud to reflect on numerous achievements and advances. Our students have greatly benefitted from enriching experiences. Key stage 4-5 went on a trip to the Mini Factory in Oxford to look at mass production in the automobile industry. We had insightful talks from Bath based Format Engineering. Alumna Harriet Cornick (a prosthetic/orthotic specialist) returned to give our Year 8’s and Year 9’s a fantastic talk and practical workshop on the advancements of CAD in the medical world.
The Faculty:
Torie Gill Head of Faculty
Colin Treacher Teacher
Emily Goy FT Teacher and Head of Y8 & Y9
Justine Phillips Technician and Textiles Teacher
Sarah Williams Technician
A celebration of work from our GCSE, A-LEVEL and IB students.
