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Design Technology

 
Our design technology department prepares pupils for our rapidly changing technologies by teaching them how to think to improve the quality of life.

The subject calls for students to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individual members of society and members of a team.

Aims

Through the teaching of design and technology, pupils are encouraged to look at the broader implications of the subject; to try to understand the concepts and processes of design and technology and how it can effect peopless environment, both built, natural and in everyday circumstances; to consider their responsibility as a designer for that environment and society as a whole.

Pupils acquire knowledge, skills and understanding through:

Analysing and evaluating products and processes

Engaging in focused tasks to develop and demonstrate techniques

Applying strategies for developing ideas, planning and producing products.

Years 7 to 9

Pupils are involved in various projects in preparation for their GCSE course in the subject. These include:

Year 7
Graphics
Key fob
Packaged game

Year 8
Packaged maze
Egg project
Flip flop project

Year 9
Jigsaw
Cadcam
Graphics

With all of the above projects, pupils are also taught:
To select appropriate materials and processes to fit the project and circumstances
How products would be made in industry
How products can be made using CNC machinery
How the production methods and possibly the choice of materials would alter dependant upon the scale of production
Key words and specific terminology pertinent to design and technology and their particular project.

Years 10 and 11 GCSE

Resistant materials is offered at GCSE and the course involves designing and making three-dimensional products using materials such as wood, metal and plastics.

Year 10

The pupils carry out a series of small practical projects, for example:

The first year term consists of a skills based project where pupils are given the task of designing and making a series of chairs for a mobile phone. Each chair is made using different skills such as laminating. The focus for each chair is based around materials, properties and processes; a key part of both their written paper and coursework.

These projects, coupled with their skills and knowledge base from previous years prepares pupils for their mock GCSE project. They are encouraged to show their flair as designers and makers in this invaluable run through for their final project the following year.

Year 11

The second year of the course is devoted to the coursework and preparation for the final examination.

Coursework (60 per cent of GCSE mark)

Pupils complete one major design and make project counting towards 60 per cent of their final grade.

They are encouraged to design and make products which suit their hobbies and interests, while still considering industrial processes and practices, coupled with the wider environmental and social implications of a designer.  

Examination (40 per cent of GCSE mark)

Pupils are prepared for their written paper using a variety of teaching methods through practical work, demonstrations, factory visits and related media.