New Designed for Life Episode: Building a Thriving Design & Technology Department at Newstead Wood School

Published 21st March 2025

How do you establish a thriving Design & Technology department from scratch with a brand-new team? What curriculum changes at KS3, KS4, and KS5 can truly stretch and challenge high-achieving students? And how can you transform the department’s look and function on a limited budget while improving perceptions of the subject among students and parents?

In the latest episode of Designed for Life, we explore these crucial questions as we visit Newstead Wood School in Orpington—recently named State Secondary School of the Year, London, 2025, by the Sunday Times Schools Guide.

In this episode, we speak with the Headteacher and senior staff about the pivotal role Design & Technology plays in offering a broad and balanced curriculum. We also hear from Natalie Cameron, Head of Department, as she shares her journey from Kent to China and Singapore, and what led her back to take on the leadership challenge at Newstead Wood.

Additionally, students from Year 7 to Year 13 offer their perspectives on studying Design & Technology, discussing the creativity, knowledge, skills, and personal attributes they’ve gained—and why, at its core, D&T is simply fun!

So, take a moment for yourself, tune in, and join us as Designed for Life visits Newstead Wood School.

Listen now: Newstead Wood School