| Design Technology introduction | |
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Lessons in Design and Technology are predominantly taught in six specialist rooms that are all less than five years old and include a new Graphics area. The rooms are well equipped to deliver lessons in Catering, Food, Graphics, Resistant Materials, Systems and Control and Textile Technology. Over 3200 products are made each year in the faculty by pupils following our Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 courses.
At Key Stage 3 all pupils follow a programme that provides a broad and balanced experience that includes all the elements listed above. The work is planned following the National Curriculum Programmes of Study. The Design Process is a common element of the work across all the areas. Both extended projects and discrete tasks are used to increase the pupils' level of skill and knowledge. At the end of Key Stage 3 pupils select up to two Design and Technology courses to follow at GCSE level. The results in recent years have been well above the national average for Design Technology and also compare favourably with the school's overall performance. As well as taking traditional courses in Design and Technology at GCSE pupils also have the opportunity of gaining other recognised National Awards, e.g. Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, GCSE Catering and the Crest Award for Technology. Extra curricular opportunities include a trip to the Clothes Show. Good Food Show and the Formula Schools Championship. Links are well established with local industry and Neighbourhood Engineers. Extra funds have been recently allocated to purchase modern equipment. The faculty has two computerised sewing machines, a computer controlled lathe, a computer controlled milling machine, computer controlled laminate cutters, an interactive white board and some projectors. This has enhanced the schools Control Technology capability significantly. |
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