Design and Technology

Design and Technology is an interesting, challenging and diverse subject, which aims to create an awareness and appreciation of the designed world in which we live.

The study of Design and Technology aims to broaden our knowledge and understanding of how and why products, systems and environments have been designed and manufactured, in the hope that pupils will become more selective and informed consumers.

As a subject, Design and Technology is made available to all pupils regardless of race, culture, sex, religion or ability. Every child's responses to a given task are highly valued and each child is encouraged to express his creativity through the design and safe manufacture of a range of quality products throughout their school career.

It is hoped that through the study of Design and Technology, all pupils will have the opportunity to express themselves in a way which is quite different to writing, speaking or performing, and will encourage them to draw on their skills and knowledge from other aspects of the curriculum to enhance their education through independent thinking and learning.

Aims

• Enjoy designing and making quality products using a wide range of materials and manufacturing techniques.
• Gain knowledge, skills and understanding of the processes involved in designing and making both at school and in the "real world".
• Demonstrate how design and technology play an important role in our lives and that design education and visual awareness are fundamental to all subjects.
• Encourage pupils to identify opportunities for Design and Technology and to apply their abilities effectively and safely.
• Encourage pupils to consider the effects and implications of Design and Technology.
• Provide pupils with the opportunities to draw on knowledge gained in other subject areas, especially Mathematics and Science.
• Provide opportunities for pupils to work both individually and as members of a team.
• Develop capability in pupils through activities, which involve a range of contexts, materials and processes and lead to practical results of a high quality.
• Develop pupils' confidence to design, make, modify and improve artifacts, structures and systems for identified purposes.
• Develop spatial awareness and visualisation skills.
• Provide opportunities for pupils to select and manage appropriate resources.
• Develop pupils' critical faculties enabling them to evaluate the results of Design and Technology activity and make informed judgments about the appropriateness of the outcomes.
• Address progressively more complex and sophisticated Design and Technology problems.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The Department recognises the importance of offering extra curricular activities to enhance the curriculum and raise the profile of the subject within the School.

The Design and Technology block is open for four nights a week when space, materials, and tuition are made available until 5.30 pm. It is used as an extension of the lessons, and it is important as a time to complete course work. These sessions have proven to be invaluable to GCSE pupils to ensure deadlines are met and quality products are manufactured.

CAD/CAM tutorials take place on Wednesdays after School.

GCSE Course

The GCSE course aims to provide pupils with appropriate skills and knowledge in the designing and manufacture of quality products in wood, metal and plastic.

The Year 10 course is designed to act as a foundation for Year 11 and aims to instil basic syllabus requirements in all pupils, which can be carried forward into Year 11. The GCSE course also requires candidates to show an awareness of industrial practices in their project work. The Year 10 syllabus has been designed to deliver knowledge and understanding of common woods, metals and plastics properties and uses whilst developing basic manufacturing skills. There is a great emphasis on Pro/desktop work in Year 10 and projects are designed to prepare students for their final GCSE project.

The delivery is somewhat traditional in places. However, this very structured approach is particularly suitable for our pupils; it is also recommended by the examination board as it has been found that too much project work limits the depth and breadth of knowledge pupils acquire to be able to answer the theory examination in Year 11.

The major project is started in the last half term of Year 10 to provide pupils with extra time on the course work project and ensure their work is of a consistently high standard.