Design & Technology
Head of Technology: Tony Lord

Design and technology is about identifying needs, generating ideas, planning, making and testing to find the best solution. Students become aware of the ways in which technology is changing the home, the workplace and the way we live. Through learning, technology students will be better placed to respond to the employment needs of business and industry. Technological capability will enable citizens to cope with a rapidly changing society.

Resources
At Lower School, design and technology is taught in a recently built and extensively equipped technology block. This comprises three workshops, a design room with computers, a food room and a textiles room. All are positioned around a central open resource area which allows for flexible use. Art and design takes place in adjacent rooms. At Upper School, design and technology is taught in a recently refurbished technology block which comprises two workshops, a food room and a very well equipped computer resource area. A design and graphics studio and art rooms are adjacent to this building. The faculty recently acquired a computer-controlled milling machine and other advanced computer software and hardware for pupils' use.

Organisation
Design and technology is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. Students are taught in balanced groups, they work on individual and team projects, often taking their practical work home. They develop skills and knowledge in a full range of technology subjects:
Food Textiles Resistant Materials
Electronics Graphics Information and communication technology

Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 students learn the skills needed for the design process, and those practical skills needed for the safe use of specialist equipment. Students learn to solve problems and make quality products which may be taken home. Projects and topics studied all relate to the National Curriculum.

Key Stage 4
A full GCSE course in Design and Technology is taken by all students at Key Stage 4. Students choose from: Design and technology with food
Design and technology - resistant materials with business studies
Design and technology with electronics
Design and technology with graphics
Students may also opt to study GCSE child development in addition to the above.

Post 16
A Level Design and Technology is a very popular and successful course and is chosen by two groups of students each year. A recent student won first prize in a national competition of A Level design projects and 3 other pupils have been granted prestigious 'Arkwright Scholarships' in design and technology. The department also runs a very successful GNVQ Health and Social Care course at Intermediate Level.