Design and technology

 

Design and technology teaches students how to find practical solutions to common problems, as well as giving them hands-on skills designing and building, using tools, machines, and equipment safely, making products using a wide range of materials. Students gain an appreciation for the way things are designed and constructed.

Curriculum

In Years 7 to 9, students are taught to use a full range of tools and equipment to turn their ideas into practical solutions. More importantly, students are taught to develop their own ideas with increasing independence and make informed design choices and decisions about materials and equipment. Projects range from the construction of storage units to mini games and also teach basic CAD/CAM design skills.

Each year, students are given three different types of project to challenge their skills. Each project is different in scope. "Big bang" projects are given to students to complete within 2 hours. "Mini" projects are completed within five hours and incorporate more design skills. "Design challenges" assess students’ abilities in all aspects of the design process and take up to 16 hours to complete.

Years 10 and 11 work on increasingly complex projects with a wider variety of materials and processes. The aim of the course is to teach complementary design and construction skills, delivering theoretical elements of the course in a practical way. Students learn how to use their hands and their minds -- and understand that both are essential to each other.

In Years 12 and 13, students may study Design and Technology either at A Level or as part of their IB Diploma. Students are encouraged to develop their own innovative ideas and to think creatively, using ICT to enhance their work. Students are also encouraged to think about the social and economic impact of technology across a broad range of cultures, as well as the Earth as a whole.