Design &
Technology
“Creativity is intelligence having fun” – Albert Einstein
Design and Technology encompasses creativity though investigative, exploration disassembly and evaluative activities related to products and their applications. Problem solving is our main value which flows through our focused practical tasks to researching new technologies and iterate designing to modelling and experimental testing.
Design and Technology is taught to all 1st, 2nd and 3rd Form pupils and is then an option at both GCSE and A level. The examination courses we teach are Resistant Materials Technology and Textiles at GCSE and Product Design at A level.
1ST – 3RD FORM
Courses are based on problem solving with each group doing 6 projects in a year. Each project encompasses an area of technology with the need for the individual pupil to add their own element of design. Pupils develop both their practical and creative skills through a series of projects which enrich their knowledge in both Textiles and Resistant materials.
Pupils can be stretched and challenged through our various creative co-curricular groups: junior create circus, inspiring scholars and Open Design. We also offer creative scholarships for pupils who aspire to follow a design pathway, with the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.
At GCSE we offer Resistant Materials and Textiles
- Demonstrate understanding that all d&t activity takes place in contexts that influence the outcomes of design practice
- Develop realistic design proposals
- Use imagination, experimentation and combine ideas
- Develop the skills to critique and refine their own ideas
- Communicate their design ideas and decisions using different media and techniques
- Develop decision-making skills; planning and organisation of time and resources
- Develop a broad knowledge of materials, components and technologies and practical skills to develop high-quality, imaginative and functional prototypes
Our aims and objectives in Textiles are to enable students to:
Develop ideas from textile artists and designers including cultural references. Develop ideas through investigating critical understanding of sources.
Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language. (final piece)