We strive through the design and technology curriculum to build an understanding and interest in how our technological and fast-moving world functions. We will encourage problem solving and independent learning by developing skills and knowledge across a wide range of areas. Design and technology explores how the products we use are designed to fit a wide range of user needs. It is vitally important that current designers consider sustainable and inclusive design, and we hope to equip our young designers with the tools to design, manufacture and innovate the products of the future.
The department is a thriving, creative and ambitious environment where students are supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential. We use a mixture of hands-on and knowledge-based tasks to develop the confidence and skills to make them successful learners. Students will learn to work independently and in teams to design and develop products.
At Key Stage 3 students will explore a range of areas including food technology, textiles, product design, electronics and engineering. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow a rotation-based course which allows them to use our specialist facilities and be taught by subject specialists. Where possible the projects are linked to real situations and challenges.
At KS4 Students are currently following one of the following:
Based in an area known for its modern engineering (North Gloucestershire) this is a popular course which develops and understanding of many of the processes used today in industry. It is a unique blend of academic and practical which takes maths and science and applies to it solve problems. This subject brings together workshop-based activities with electronic design and CAD and 3D printing to build electromechanical items
This qualification is modern and relevant, so students can learn about new and emerging technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practice. The new GCSE places greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. It includes a design and manufacture project (NEA) which is based around the use of timbers
The Level 1/2 Hospitality and Catering is a vocational course for those students interested in the food industry and learning the skills to progress onto this in a practical way. The Vocational Award in Hospitality and Catering has been designed to support learners in schools who want to learn about this vocational sector and the potential it can offer them for their careers or further study. Businesses that make up the hospitality sector include hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and bars, leisure parks, stadia, nightclubs, contract caterers, food service operators, entertainment and visitor attractions. Employment can range from waiting staff, receptionists and catering assistants to chefs, hotel and bar managers, and food technologists working for supermarket chains.
Art and design textiles is a successful creative course encompassing elements of fashion, costume print and surface design. We explore a range of creative techniques, exploring materials and developing ideas for final pieces. This course opens a range of career options in the creative industries with many of our students going on to do A-level and take up careers in this thriving industry. Textiles is a very hands-on subject with lots of practical work. It consists of a 60% portfolio developed across Years 10 and 11 and a final externally-set project with a 10-hour practical exam at the end. This is the ideal subject if students enjoy working to creatively solve problems. The course requires an element of self-motivation and students have lots of choice and possibilities to develop their own ideas and work.
The department was completely refurbished in 2017 and refitted with modern equipment. It is now a light, clean and well-resourced facility which further builds the purposeful practical yet academic environment. We have dedicated facilities for electronics, engineering, food, product design and textiles.
Dedicated facilities include electronic PCB manufacture, laser cutters, a suite of 3D printers, print sublimations, modern mills and lathes, a range of sewing machines including a computerised one, a dedicated fully-furnished kitchen and a dedicated design computer suite. Software used includes Solidworks, 2d Design, Circuit Wizard and Adobe design suite.
The faculty regularly runs afterschool clubs in engineering, food and textiles. We have an annual catwalk show and offer challenges through the year such as ready steady cook and external competition.
