Planning KS3 Curriculum with Inspired by Industry

Full-Day, Face-to-Face Course 

A strong Key Stage 3 Design and Technology curriculum lays the foundation for success at Key Stage 4 and beyond. This full-day, in-person course explores practical approaches to planning a rigorous, knowledge-rich and context-led KS3 curriculum using Inspired by Industry by the Design and Technology Association.

Through structured exploration, professional discussion and practical curriculum models, you will examine how industry-inspired contexts can shape meaningful learning. The course focuses on designing coherent curriculum journeys where technical knowledge, designing, making and evaluating are rooted in authentic real-world applications.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:
• Secondary D&T subject leaders
• Heads of Department
• KS3 curriculum leads
• Teachers involved in curriculum planning and development

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, you will:
• Understand how Inspired by Industry can inform and strengthen KS3 curriculum planning
• Develop a clear rationale for a context-led KS3 curriculum
• Recognise how to sequence knowledge and skills within meaningful industry contexts
• Understand how contextual learning supports progression into KS4
• Gain confidence in reviewing and refining your current KS3 provision

What You Will Learn

Participants will explore:
• The principles underpinning Inspired by Industry and context-led curriculum design
• Approaches to structuring a coherent three-year KS3 journey
• Designing learning around authentic industry problems and real-world applications
• Embedding technical knowledge, designing and making within purposeful contexts
• Sequencing substantive and disciplinary knowledge to build depth and progression
• Ensuring curriculum breadth across materials areas and specialisms
• How contextual learning strengthens engagement, retention and long-term understanding

What You Will Gain

• A structured framework for planning a context-driven KS3 curriculum
• Practical examples of industry-inspired curriculum models
• Strategies for embedding authentic contexts into schemes of work
• Greater clarity in articulating curriculum intent, implementation and impact
• Clear next steps to apply within your own department

What to Bring

A laptop or portable device is recommended if you would like to review your current curriculum documentation during the day.

Meet Your Trainer

Ryan Ball - Director of Education

Ryan has been a D&T teacher for 17 years, teaching in the U.K., Middle East and Malaysia. He has taught students from age 7 to 18, with his students winning awards for the highest marks in the country and world. He has presented at various educational conferences in Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Madrid.

Before booking onto this course, please read our terms and conditions and cancellation policy.