Design and Technology

The Senior School has its own dedicated 136 sqm Design and Technology workshop with multi-materials equipment with CAD/CAM facilities.

Pupils are encouraged to be involved in their own learning. A project-based design-and-make approach is used, with each project addressing a different area of technology. The projects are designed to develop new skills and knowledge in an interesting and stimulating manner.

Foundation skills are developed in Year 7 and the projects increase in complexity in Years 8 and 9.GCSE pupils studying for the Design and Technology (AQA Resistant Materials) are based in the Design and Technology workshop. This course requires them to develop their understanding of design. It combines practical and technological skills with creative thinking, to design-and-make real products. The aim of the subject is to develop creative thinking and problem solving through design process. 

Pupils will spend Year 10 developing skills, knowledge and understanding of the subject. In Year 11 pupils will complete a 45 hour design-and-make coursework task (Controlled Assessment)  which accounts for 60% of the final grade. The final element of the course is a 2 hour examination that the pupils are prepared for during the last school term.

A level pupils studying Design and Technology follow the Edexcel Product Design course. Pupils develop an in-depth understanding of Materials, Industrial and Commercial Practice, Health and Safety, Systems and Control, Design in Context and Sustainability. The course also contains a coursework element which accounts for 60% of the AS and A2 marks. The coursework for AS pupils involves producing a portfolio of design work and a practical piece, “Creative skills”. A2 pupils produce a design folder and practical showcasing commercial design.

The standard produced is outstanding: click here (in PDF format - approx 3.1MB) to see examples of pupils' work for their GCSE and A Level projects.