Technology

Technology & Design is unique in that it allows pupils to combine their academic knowledge and practical skills through a variety of media to achieve a planned outcome which meets a given need. The sense of achievement a pupil may attain producing a successful product is of critical importance to the learning process. We aim to stimulate curiosity, enthusiasm, interest, enjoyment and to experience the sense of satisfaction which comes from designing and making.

Accommodation and Equipment

2 Multi material Manufacturing Rooms

  • 1 Systems Room
  • 1 Planning Room
  • plus associated project stores and offices.

System and Planning Room equipment

  • Suite of 12 PCs
  • A4 Laser Printer and A3 Colour Inkjet Printer
  • C2K enabled PC with Interactive Whiteboard facility.
  • PCB Etching equipment
  • CNC Router
  • Laser Cutter
  • Vinyl Plotter

Manufacturing Room and Main Store Equipment

  • Bandsaw
  • Pedestal Drill
  • Milling Machine
  • Centre Lathe
  • Linisher
  • Polisher
  • Vacuum Former and Blow Moulder
  • Oxy Acetylene Welder
  • Mig Welder
  • Circular Saw
  • Metal Cut off saw
  • Pedestal Grinder
  • Horizontal Grinder
  • Sheet Metal Folder
  • Sheet Metal Guillotine
  • Metal Roller
  • Wide range of  Associated Hand tools

KEY STAGE 3

All students in Years 8, 9 and 10 are timetabled for two periods of Technology per week. Students undertake a series of “design & manufacture” projects that develop knowledge, skills and understanding. Projects can focus on areas such as design, mechanisms, electronics, materials and computer control.

The themes develop in complexity throughout KS3 and provide students with a good grounding for continuing the subject as one of their optional GCSE level subjects. We aim to develop design capability and manufacturing skills through the use of traditional and modern approaches.

The main software packages that we use are Microsoft Publisher, LiveWire, PCB Wizard, Genie Design Studio, Logicator and SolidWorks.

At the end of Key Stage 3 our students take part in the CCEA ICT Accreditation project. In this project our focus is on the area of computer control.

GCSE

Students have the option to choose Technology & Design at GCSE level. We offer the CCEA course and deliver the Systems and Control Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems strand.

Through studying this specification, students have opportunities to:

  • analyse existing products;
  • develop practical solutions to consumer needs, wants and opportunities;
  • design and make quality products and/or systems;
  • understand that designing and making reflect and influence cultures and societies;
  • understand that products have an impact on lifestyle;
  • develop their creativity and critical analysis skills;
  • make links between existing solutions, technological knowledge and the principles of good design;
  • explore how aesthetic, technical, economic, environmental, ethical and social dimensions interact to shape designing and making;
  • develop decision-making skills;
  • consider sustainability; and
  • gain insight into related sectors such as manufacturing and engineering.

This specification helps prepare students for the study of technology and design related courses at advanced level It also prepares them to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.

A LEVEL

Students have the option to choose Technology & Design at Advanced level. We offer the CCEA course and deliver the Systems and Control course, specialising in Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems.

Through studying GCE Technology and Design, students have opportunities to:

  • make use of tacit knowledge and reflective practices in order to work with tasks that are challenging and often require definition;
  • develop and sustain their creativity and innovative practice;
  • recognise and overcome challenges and constraints when working towards the production of high-quality products;
  • develop a critical understanding of the influences of the processes and products of design and technological activities from a contemporary and historical perspective;
  • draw on a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas;
  • draw on and apply knowledge, understanding and skills of production processes to a range of design and technological activities;
  • develop an understanding of contemporary design and technology practices; and
  • use digital technologies and information handling skills to enhance their design and technological capability.

The study of Technology & Design at Advanced Level enables students to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding that will prove vital within work-related contexts. The course also prepares students to enter a variety of engineering and design related degree level courses.