Play Video NowDesign and Technology
Aims and Philosophy
Design Technology is concerned with the made-environment, how it has been created, developed and lived in. Our courses are based on design projects which encourage pupils to be creative in solving design problems that add to and improve their own environment. This involves researching the problems, developing ideas through drawing and modelling, making and, most importantly, evaluating the solution. The pupils are encouraged to develop skills in both graphic and verbal communication, problem solving and craft skills using hand tools, power tools, machinery and equipment.
Course Content
Product design studies are introduced as appropriate and pupils start to gain an understanding and appreciation of how and why commercial products are designed and made.
By the end of Year 9, pupils will have completed several short introductory courses in the principal materials (plastics, metal, wood and textiles), basic technology, graphic communication, electronics and CADCAM.
In Years 10 and 11 pupils may opt to follow GCSE examination courses in Design Technology: Resistant materials, graphic products and textiles.
At AS and A level in the sixth form, the specifications followed in 'Product Design' offer a seamless progression from GCSE level.
Mr Palmer also teaches design technology at our Prep School, so those pupils arriving in Year 7 feel immediately at home in their "new" surroundings, and those who come from other schools will sense the empathy with their situation.
Resources
The department provides a spacious and pleasant environment, which is continually evolving; the aim being to blend the best from the past with the most relevant modern experiences. There are IT/CADCAM facilities, a technical library and well equipped workshops and classrooms.