Design and Technology

Design and Technology is unique – it allows pupils to combine academic and practical knowledge and skills, through a variety of media, to achieve a planned outcome that meets a given need. The sense of achievement a pupil may feel upon producing a successful product is also an important part of learning.

Pupils are taught both formally through 'lecture demonstration' and skill-based exercises, and through investigation and research. Activity is varied to ensure a balance of both short and extended tasks. While some projects are focused and designed to target specific skills and knowledge, others are open and designed to allow pupils more influence over the origins and direction of their work.

Pupils are encouraged to achieve high standards in written and practical work, and best practice is put on extended display for up to a term.

Pupils are encouraged to participate in their own assessment. Time for discussion, to understand project requirements and solve design problems, is an important element built into each project schedule. Pupils are also encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and a planned programme of homework complements classroom activity.

The learning environment is monitored regularly to ensure that it offers a lively and stimulating atmosphere where pupils may work safely and, if necessary individually, through resource-based learning. Pupils are encouraged to use information technology both for research and for presentation of their work.

Curriculum

Years 7 and 8

Each pupil has a lesson of Information Technology every week. Lessons take place in a modern, well-equipped room, where each pupil has access to a PC. Most lessons are 'hands-on' and cover the following: word-processing skills; the Internet; e-mail; and spreadsheets. Pupils use a scanner, printer and digital camera. Work is assessed continually. It is not assumed that pupils have access to a PC at home.

Year 9

In Year 9 ICT is incorporated into the Technology scheme of work. The Technology Department delivers: computer graphics (including computer-aided design) and use of applications software, including computer modelling and computer-aided manufacturing. These items are comprehensively covered and pupils receive around six lessons in a computer room.

Design Studios and Workshops

The design studios are regarded as key spaces within the centre. They have a number of important functions but are principally large, clean areas for the preparation of individual design drawings and for general class work. Class discussions are necessary at the start of any project, during the design and development stages, and at the end when work is critically appraised. They are the principal places to which pupils can retreat and assess the progress and achievements of their individual projects. Comparisons can also be made with other projects that have used alternative materials and fabrication techniques developed in other parts of the department.

The department prides itself on its workshop facilities. Each is situated next to a design studio, allowing pupils and staff to move easily between the two areas. This feature helps to develop pupils' design and technology capability.

All four workshops are designed to allow pupils to work with a variety of materials including wood, metal and plastics. Workstations provide a working area and a vice for each pupil. A range of bench-mounted and free-standing machines is strategically positioned. All large-scale cutting and sanding machines are fitted with a local exhaust ventilation unit (LEV).

Machine tools and hot metals room
Metal machining facilities
Woodworking facilities
Heat treatment facilities
Car bay