Design and Technology

Design and Technology involves the designing and making of solutions to every day problems.  We are surrounded by items and products that exist to make our lives easier or more enjoyable.  In secondary school DT develops a wide range of knowledge and skills combining maths, science and art but also instils characteristics such as resilience, problem solving, independence, creativity, time managment and organisational skills.

Design and Technology qualifications lead in to a wide range of career opportunities:

Who works in the DT Department?

- Mike O'Roary - Head of DT

- Rachel Jones - Part-Time Teacher of DT

- Jennifer Reid - Teacher of DT

- Brendan Falloon - Technician

- Mandy Wallace - Technician

In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8), students will rotate around different areas of DT and study project-based activities in designing and making. Projects cover the DT curriculum and include 2D and 3D designing techniques, CAD/CAM (2D-Design and Solidworks), food preparation and hygiene, mechanisms, electronics and a variety of practical skills from basic measuring to CNC manufacturing using laser cutters, routers and 3D printing.

Year 7 students will study 2 projects.  The Game projects introduces engineering drawing, CAD/CAM and basic practical techniques.  Students apply mathematical principles to drawing and making and will learn about material properties and uses.  Students will also learn how to prepare and cook a variety of dishes incorporating measuring and weighing and applying food hygiene principles.

In Year 9, students choose either Design Engineering or Hospitality and Catering and will work all year within that specialism. They will focus on developing relevant knowledge and skills for further study in Years 10 and 11.

Students will specialise in the subjects taken in Year 9 and study courses in OCR Level 1/ 2 Design Engineering or Educas (Level 1/2) Hospitality and Catering.

Courses are taken over 2 years and students will work towards achieving Level 1 or 2 Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction +.  These awards are equivalent to GCSE grades 9-1.

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