Design & Technology

Phil Smith

The Engineering department are pleased to announce that Year 10 students have successfully completed the first year of the new Btec Engineering course which was introduced in September 2020. The qualification has a greater focus on work experience in engineering sectors and it is hoped will encourage students to peruse an engineering career path. This qualification will also lead directly into the 6th form International Baccalaureate Career Path. Year 12 students have started level 3 Btec Engineering which forms part of their IBCP qualification. The Design and Technology department continues to focus on one lesson projects in wood, metal and plastic, giving students a grounding in basic skills and a knowledge of hand tools and materials, with an active bias towards using recycled materials when ever possible.

A very popular project with many upper year students has been the skateboard. Students fabricate their own skateboard deck then use the laser cutter to add their own bespoke design. 2021 has seen an increased interest in KS3 extra curriculum projects with before school and lunchtime clubs being run by Mr Smith. Projects include skateboards, dog furniture, garden furniture and card and metal work projects, made in many cases from recycled materials.

The renovation of the sailing dingy kindly donated to Knole Academy by Chipstead Sailing club is nearly finished under the guidance of Mr Le Page. Online learning was very successful. Y7 students studied design movements in the 19th and 20th century. Y8 students reviewed the properties and benefits of resistant materials while Y9 students completed projects on design your own shopping trolley, mechanics and smart materials.

Clockwise from top left: KS3 Side table made from recycled wood. KS3 Skateboard deck made from recycled wood. Skateboard deck graphics hand painted. KS3 Minecraft figures made from recycled wood. KS3 Dog basket made from recycled materials.