Design 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.