Welcome to the Technical Department
S2 DM
Design & Technology IP 2019-20
Department Staff
- Mr P Keaveny (PT)
- Mr I Middleton
- Mr D Marwick
- A McKeown
Departmental Aims
The Design Technology department at Auchenharvie Academy aim to support the development of our young people through the following;
- Provide an engaging learning experience for all.
- Ensure a safe working environment for both staff and pupils.
- Offer relevant course choices to allow progression in learning.
Design and Technology is taught in purpose built graphic suites, design rooms and practical workshops. There is also a fully equipped ICT suite with 20 computers. We aim to our help pupils become confident individuals in an increasingly technological world. We hope to provide thought provoking discussion about design, engineering and technology, and of the world in which we live. Finally we aim to inspire our young people to continue studying the Technologies after they leave Auchenharvie Academy.
Courses Taught
S1, S2 & S3 Design Technology Course
The main aim of the Design Technology course is to give young people an opportunity to develop broad-based technical skills, and in doing so encourage them to engage in problem solving. Practical work offers each pupil an opportunity to have a hands-on experience of a variety of processes and tools, through several projects based around metal, wood and plastic. This area will be assessed through the development of skills and an understanding of the resources. The Graphic Communication course provides each pupil with the opportunity to develop their understanding of both formal and freehand drawing through a broad course. This course includes illustration and presentation, technical drawing and computer aided design. In S3 BGE pupils can choose to follow courses in Design & Manufacture, Graphic Communication, Practical Engineering and Practical Woodworking to best prepare our young people for the National and Higher courses in S4/S5/S6.
N4/5 Practical Woodworking
The National 4/5 Practical Woodworking course consists of the following three workshop-based units -Bench Skills 1, Wood Flat-Frame Construction, Bench Skills 2 -Wood Carcase Construction, Machining and Finishing -Wood Turning. The course is assessed by the completion of a final workshop based project using the skills developed when completing the units. The course will develop skills in marking-out, cutting, shaping and finishing materials, as well as adjusting and maintaining a range of hand tools. Apart from giving an insight into industry and standards, such studies help with the development of self-confidence, manual dexterity and control, perseverance and maturity.
N4/5 Engineering Science
The Course provides a broad and challenging exploration of engineering. Because of its focus on developing transferable skills, it will be of value to learners, and particularly beneficial to learners considering a career in engineering, or one of its many branches. The Course includes three mandatory Units: Engineering Contexts and Challenges, Electronics and Control and Mechanisms and Structures. A N4 pupil will be internally assessed against these unit standards as well as an Added Value Unit which will determine their overall award, there will be no External Exam. A N5 pupil will be internally assessed on these three units, an internally completed assignment and also an External Exam in May.
N4/5 Graphic Communication
This Course is a broad-based qualification suitable for learners with an interest in graphic communication — both digital and paper-based. The qualification is largely learner-centred and includes practical and experiential learning opportunities. Because the world of graphic communication covers such a wide variety of styles and modes of communication, there is a broad scope for personalisation and choice within the Course for each learner. The N4/N5 Graphic Communication course introduces learners to the diverse and ever-increasing variety of presentation methods employed in the Graphic Design field. Pupils develop skills in 2D and 3D Graphics. A N4 pupil will be internally assessed on these five assessments as well as an Added Value Unit which will determine their overall award, there will be no External Exam. A N5 pupil will be internally assessed on these five standards, an Added Value Unit and also an External Exam in May.
N4/5 Design & Manufacture
The Design and Manufacture Course introduces learners to the multi-faceted world of product design and manufacturing. Creativity is at the heart of this Course and its combination with technology makes it exciting and dynamic.
The Course provides learners with skills that allow them to learn live and work more effectively in our advancing technological society. It allows them to become not just effective contributors but informed and discerning consumers. The Course is broad, providing opportunities for learners to develop practical/design skills, as well as gaining knowledge and understanding of design, materials and manufacturing processes.
The Course is practical, exploratory and experiential in nature. It combines elements of creativity and designing for aesthetic or visual impact with a requirement to consider a product’s function and performance. It helps the learner appreciate the tensions that exist between factors such as aesthetics, function, economics and the environment.
This Course is of broad general benefit to all learners. It also provides a foundation for those considering further study, or a career, in design, manufacturing, engineering, science, marketing, and related disciplines. The Course provides a complementary practical experience for those studying subjects in the technologies and expressive arts.
Higher Design and Manufacture
The Higher Design and Manufacture Course allows learners to explore the multi- faceted world of product design and manufacturing. Creativity is at the heart of this Course and its combination with technology makes it exciting and dynamic.
The Course combines scientific, mathematical and technological rigour with design and manufacture creativity and innovation. It is at this that the course demonstrates broad options, possibilities and flexibilities in supporting educational growth.
In the Course, learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. The Course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base and to widen their horizons regarding a range of potential vocations and careers.
Higher Graphic Communication
The Higher Graphic Communication Course offers a broad and creative experience in the subject of graphic communication and graphic design. This diverse and multi- faceted Course provides scope for personalisation and choice.
The Course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base and to widen their horizons regarding a range of vocations and careers. Learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. They will develop an awareness of graphic communication as an international language. They will find that the skills they acquire by successfully completing this Course will be invaluable for learning, for life and for the world of work.
The Course provides skills that are complementary to other curricular areas, such as expressive arts, sciences, and mathematics. It provides skills that are valuable for learners in the other areas of study in the technologies.
Useful Websites
http://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/46005.html
http://www.ergonomics4schools.com/index.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/stemcentral/index.asp
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk
