Design Technology
A well established department giving pupils experience in project management and design skills across a wide range of materials.
STAFF
Mr C R West (Head of Department)
Mr P Nicholson
Mr S E Williams (Deputy Head of Crow House)
Mr A Solomon (Technician)
FACILITIES
The department comprises three workshop areas, one specialising in wood and another metal and a third large workshop for multimedia and project work. In addition there is a separate design room equipped with 17 PCs linked to the school network for design and graphics use. The multimedia room also has 17 PCs, again linked to the school network. The main metal working room has recently been refitted with specialist heat treatment facilities and a CNC laser cutting machine to supplement the existing lathe and milling centres.
CURRICULUM
DT is compulsory for all pupils in years 7 to 9 and then optional at GCSE level. Examination groups are usually taught in groups of a maximum of 15 The course followed is AQA Design and Resistant Materials. 6th Form numbers are currently 11 in the U6th and 15 in the L6th, with the course being followed AQA Design and Technology 3D Product Design. Teaching is supplemented with a range of visits to industrial locations.
ETHOS
In the lower school there is a strong emphasis on encouraging pupils to produce quality work through a range of projects working in wood, metal and plastics. Students tackle several design and manufacture projects, each resulting in an artefact to be taken home. There is a considerable input through ICT skills in producing project reports and all pupils experience CNC manufacturing. At examination level pupils are encouraged to think for themselves and produce diverse ideas after experiencing industrial visits and wide ranging research. Personal management skills are developed at all stages to try and foster an environment of promoting individual talents and potential.
DESTINATIONS
6th Form pupils have had considerable success in applying for quality Product Design courses at a range of universities. Some choose to use the subject for Art based courses or Engineering.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
The workshops are open most lunchtimes and several evenings to allow pupils access to specialist equipment for coursework projects. The department has also successfully co-ordinated the Engineering Education Scheme for 15 years.
CONTACT
For more information, contact the department head at: