Design and Technology

What is Design and Technology?

This course allows pupils to develop their understanding of problem solving. The course considers and uses a wide variety of systems and materials including electronics, mechanisms, polymers, metals, timbers and graphic materials.

Students study each material area and undertake a number of design and creation tasks to undertake to allow them to understand and master the practical aspect of the subject. Students will consider how we go about solving problems and will produce designs and models which will then lead to them making a working prototype of their chosen design solution. One of the contexts will be looking at is the use of Bluetooth technology. We will also be working on a team-based enterprise project.

What skills are involved/developed through the courses?

• Design and Engineering Thinking Skills; Analytical and intellectual skill, practical skill, creative and problemsolving capabilities. • Problem Solving, Logical and Lateral thinking. • Design and realisation skills; hand skills and in Computer Aided Design/Manufacture. • Design, construction, programming and problem solving of electronic systems. • Self-motivation, resilience, self-management, enthusiasm designing and presenting • The ability to record observations and testing, make reasoned evaluations and record thinking. • Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement • Independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating their own ideas, their own intentions and their own personal practical outcomes

What sort of student do they suit and what will they get out of the courses?

This course will suit a student who enjoys realising their ideas in three dimensions, students who are interested in changing the world around them and in solving problems through designing and making. Students who are keen on a hands-on approach to learning will find the approach particularly engaging.

Students will gain competency in practical manufacturing technique used on metals and polymers as well as looking at timers. Pupils will also develop their computer and electronics skills in a very practical and realistic way. The work undertaken allows students to showcase both their technical and creative abilities.

For students considering Design Engineering at public examination level, this course is excellent preparation for the project-based approach undertaken at GCSE and A Level.