Design and Technology

The Design Technology Department, with its two well equipped workshops and specialist staff, provides a safe, happy, and inspiring learning environment for First Form pupils to start their journey through this creative subject.

Our curriculum is targeted at building pupil’s confidence with the fundamental principles of designing and making and problem solving. We aim to provide a firm foundation for more independent work in future years.

An introductory module welcomes pupils to the department, and all pupils in the First Form, regardless of experience or skill level, are taught correct workshop procedures, along with extensively focussed health and safety training in the Design and Technology workshops.

First Form pupils then confidently move on to complete a range of challenging projects, utilising different materials, tools and processes. They will develop a range of designing and graphical communication skills as they create ideas and develop their making skills when realising products with specific clients and design influences identified. Pupils are encouraged to create dynamic, innovative, and challenging designs and to produce accurately constructed and well finished artefacts under controlled supervision. In addition to more traditional practical skills, pupils are introduced to the inclusion of ICT and CAD/CAM in Design Technology as well as modern design related issues, namely the environment and sustainability.

Each project is supported with a workbook that sets out the key learning points and these are an excellent resource for revision and homework with extension activities provided to stretch and challenge all learners.

The Design and Technology Department also runs a dedicated First Form lunchtime activity during which interested pupils can design and make set products as gifts or simply for the enjoyment of making.