Design and Technology
AIMS
To enable students to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding of Design and Technology (D & T) in order to design and make quality products.
To encourage students to mature through the intellectual process of problem- solving and where appropriate, to apply knowledge and skills from other subjects particularly Science, Maths, Information Technology (IT), and Art and Design.
To encourage students' critical and aesthetic abilities by helping them to understand some of the effects and implications of both Design and Technology on the world in which we live - our domestic, commercial and industrial environments.
OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate the importance of problem solving.
To encourage innovation by participation in National D&T competitions.
To practice safe procedures when using dangerous tools and equipment.
ORGANISATION
Four full-time teachers and a technician use a fully equipped technology room, a design room which includes computers for CAD (computer aided design), junior workshops, a plastics working area and a large multi-media workshop for A level and GCSE work..
WHO STUDIES WHAT, WHEN?
Year 7&8 All boys study D&T. Small problem solving projects are undertaken.
Year 9 Work leading towards GCSE is started.
Year 10/11 Theory and practical work for those who have opted to take the subject at GCSE.
Year 12 AS Level. Theory lessons continue as candidates undertake larger projects.
Year 13 A-Level. Candidates who opt to continue with the subject produce a major project and prepare for the written papers.
PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS
GCSE: AQA D&T - Options: Resistant Materials Technology or Electronic products.
AS/A2: EDEXCEL D&T - Marks are based on coursework assessment and examination.
BENEFITS
Boys are taught to think for themselves, and to pose solutions to problems.
Creative and talented boys can express themselves in this subject.
Learning in Design and Technology is often pupil centred and not desk bound.
AS/A-level D & T is accepted by all universities for entrance. It is valued as evidence
of independent thought, and as a good foundation in subjects like engineering, electronics or computing.
John Coleman
Head of Design and Technology
