Introduction
Design and Technology looks to introduce learners to design, materials and manufacturing processes. It provides learners with the skills needed to communicate ideas through drawing and modelling, but also an understanding of the technologies and materials that exist at the disposal of modern designers. In different settings – the workshop, the graphics room or design studio – learners tackle project-based work developing the skills that will allow them to become innovative and critically minded members of society.
Learners build an understanding of technology and its impact on wider society, thinking about questions of sustainability and how they can make choices as young designers that positively impact the world around them.
Staff
Mrs. A. McCabe, Design & Technology (Faculty Head)
Mr. J. Murray, Design & Technology (Principal Teacher of STEM Initiatives)
Mr. A. Eunson, Design & Technology
Curriculum
Broad General Education
Design and Technology is a course that enables learners to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design whilst working with different media, materials and tools. In S1 and S2, you gain greater technical and design awareness whilst developing skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, problem solving and enquiry. You will learn the practical skills required to communicate ideas clearly while learning of the tools and materials available to modern designers.
Learning Experiences
Working in both the graphics studio and workshops, you are introduced to the various tools and resources available and apply this learning when tackling design and make projects or in communicating graphic ideas manually or on computer. Through project based work, from the manufacture of a toy car to the design of a pre-fabricated home for a client, you develop your own folio of work displaying the skills learned. Through the use of the tools and machines of the workshop, including our 3D printer and laser cutter, we are able to ensure you enjoy practical hand on experience of the manufacturing process, building a greater understanding of the design process and of material properties.
Life and Work
The work completed aims to give you the ability to explore the three subject areas offered within the department at S3 and beyond – Graphic Communication, Design and Manufacture and Practical Woodworking. Our Design and Technology course will allow you the opportunity to develop a broad range of transferable skills that are key within further education and employment. Directly relevant to many careers including engineering, architecture and product design, the foundation built in S1 and S2 is key to developing curious minds and original thinkers.
