DEPARTMENT LEADER: Mr Nathan Williams
Design and Technology is a unique subject in the curriculum that allows pupils to apply themselves both in a written and practical environment. Pupils will have the opportunity to learn new skills in different disciplines covered within the subject. These include Product Design, Textiles, Engineering, Creative Media and Construction.
The subjects allow pupils to apply innovative thinking to ideas to produce products and outcomes that can have an impact on a user. The subject opens opportunities for pupils to design clothing, products, engineered parts and graphic products to communicate ideas and develop skills.
Key Stage 3
Year 7 pupils will be introduced to Engineering by undertaking a project based on sustainability and renewable energy. As well as researching this important topic, they will learn design skills and the various way that electricity is generated, before designing and making a self-propelled vehicle of their choice.
Year 8 pupils will be introduced to the theory structures and forces as they produce a Tea Light holder. As part of this
project, they will develop their design skills, and there understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
Year 9 pupils who opt for Engineering will get the opportunity to learn Mechanisms and design skills through producing a dedicated project of a Sweet Dispenser. Pupils will be given free reign to design the product and its method of dispensing. This project acts as a push on independent problem solving required for both KS4 and KS5 Engineering.
Key Stage 4
The WJEC Engineering course is made up of three units which help students develop their knowledge base of design and make in Engineering. As part of the programme of study they will also investigate existing products, and produce a design outcome to meet distinct requirements from a client brief. As well as producing a detailed production plan to successful manufacture a product, whilst learning about health and safety and its associated legislations and regulations.
The units studied are as follows:
Unit 1 Engineering Design (Coursework)
Pupils will develop their skills to work through the design process to create a successful design idea to solve an industrial problem. The pupils will learn and develop a range of designing skills from Isometric and Oblique drawings to Computer generated designs.
Unit 2 Producing engineering products (Coursework)
Through this unit, pupils will focus their learning on planning production of a product, whilst learning about Health and Safety, Material selection, and a wide range of manufacturing processes.
Unit 3 Solving engineering problems (Exam)
The exam gives pupils the opportunity to present their knowledge across a broad range of subject areas from Engineering Maths and Material Properties to Environmental issues in Engineering