Design & Technology
OVERVIEW
Design and Technology provides an enjoyable environment for pupils to develop technological knowledge, understanding and skills.
OUR SYLLABUS
Pupils are allowed to select their own major project theme, giving them the freedom to research, design and build a product of their choice. This enables them to focus on solving personal design problems and gives a greater sense of engagement and ownership in their work.
Pupils learn by doing – through taking action. Learning of this nature offers a unique and powerful experience for pupils.
Stimulating contexts provide many opportunities for pupils to implement and expand their creative thinking, individually or as part of a team. Working as a team to solve design problems is the key to success.
WHY STUDY DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY?
The advantage of studying a heavily coursework-weighted subject means that it provides a hands-on experience, more directly related to life beyond schooling. It is also a brilliant way to develop confidence and place theory into context.
It is widely accepted as an entrance qualification at all universities and encompasses a wide range of disciplines and combination of subjects. and offers an excellent qualification for careers in Engineering, Architecture, Product/Industrial Design and many other design-related courses.
The design process is central to project work and inherently develops pupils’ maths, English and science skills – by reinforcing their understanding of these core subjects and putting them into context.
The world is increasingly facing environmental challenges, and it is the engineers, scientists and technologists of tomorrow we will turn to for ecological and sustainability solutions.
The department runs a number of trips including to Morgan Motors, Jaguar Land Rover and Supercat. In addition, pupils have the opportunity to attend Design and Technology in Action seminars in London, which include renowned guest speakers from different fields of design and engineering.
Pupils have the opportunity to get involved in projects for the local communities and enter competitions run by related societies – for example, we entered a co-curricular competition with the Art department, organised by RIBA, held in Exeter.
The department is incredibly proud of the numerous pupils (over 20 at last count) who have been awarded a prestigious Arkwright scholarship at the end of Year 11. This requires the pupil to undertake a considerable process, including an interview, and pupils holding this scholarship have regularly gone on to work in design and technology fields post-university.
Studying Design Technology enables pupils to develop a wide range of practical and inter-personal skills. They are encouraged to experiment with ideas, be creative in their approach and learn from the inevitable (and expected) mistakes along the way.
The NEA project requires pupils to develop their organisation and time management skills, as well as their project management. Finally, studying design technology enables pupils to develop an awareness of current design and technological issues.
