Design and Technology (D&T)
Introduction
Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technological world. The subject develops pupils’ skills enabling them to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, working as individuals and members of teams, examining the needs and opportunities for design and responding to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. The combination of practical skills and an understanding of aesthetics, along with social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices allow them to evaluate past and present design and technology along with its uses and effects. Through Design and Technology, all pupils can become innovators and discriminating and informed consumers or users of products.
Lower School
During the first two years, pupils will have one lesson a week to experience a wide range of processes, materials and strategies, establishing a foundation of skills which they can apply to all areas of problem-solving. Through short and longer-term tasks, the course will develop their communication skills, design awareness, CAD/CAM and manufacturing skills. . The subject links many of the other subjects studied across the curriculum and to be successful, pupils must incorporate knowledge and understanding from areas such as Maths and Science, Art and the Humanities.
Third Form
At this stage, the subject becomes optional, with those who choose to continue their study of D&T visiting the Department twice a week. These pupils will complete modules closely related to the GCSE courses undertaken at the next stage.
GCSE
Those who have studied D&T in the Third Form may opt to take on the GCSE course in Product Design. They will study for three periods a week covering the theory aspect, along with the completion of coursework which accounts for a substantial percentage of their final grade.
A Level
Product Design extends through to A Level. The course is linear, with the Lower Sixth year being used to extend pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects of the subject. Pupils will also have the time to build confidence in design and practical skills, enabling them to tackle the extended coursework task throughout the Upper Sixth. At this stage, projects are individually selected, enabling pupils to incorporate their personal interests and possible future career directions. These tasks are expected to take on a commercial flavour and make use of a client and user group. There is also a close link to Maths and Science, with a considerable emphasis on the practical application of related questions in the final examination.
Facilities
The Department has comprehensive design and workshop facilities. Pupils have access to an, design studios with ICT and CAD facilities and multimedia workshops where most materials can be cut, shaped, formed and joined. We still make use of our traditional facilities such as lathes, mills, casting and heat treatment areas but have also invested in Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems. Pupils have access to a CNC router, laser cutter and several 3D printers.
D&T at University
Many pupils move on to study Engineering, in its many different forms, along with Architecture and Product Design at university. The subject sits well alongside Science and Maths, with pupils being able put the theoretical elements of these subjects into practice. However, it is also a good complement to many other subjects, as universities recognise the importance of the diverse skills pupils develop within the subject area. These skills of independent problem-solving, creativity, decision-making, organisation and evaluation are valued across many disciplines and complement many degree courses.
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to successful examination results at GCSE and A Level, our pupils have the opportunity to take part in many varied co-curricular technological activities. Recently these have ranged from Robotics Club to Warhammer Club and CAD Club.
