Technology and Design
In Technology and Design, pupils have the opportunity to use their creativity and ingenuity in designing products to meet a wide range of needs. Pupils engage in design activities where a strong emphasis is placed on graphical communication and presentation skills. They also use tools and equipment to manufacture their solutions using resistant materials (wood, metal and plastic).
All pupils study Technology and Design throughout Key Stage 3. A number of pupils take the subject to GCSE level and this varies between one and two classes of up to 20. Technology and Design is also taught at AS/A2 level with a single class of between 10 and 20 pupils in both Year 13 and 14.
Staff
Mr C. Wilson B.Eng. Hons. PGCE (Head of Department)
Mr R. McCrea B.Sc., M.Sc., PGCE
Mr P. Hunter B.Ed.
Aims
- To encourage pupils to express their own ideas when designing and making products in response to a problem, need or opportunity.
- To nurture individual creativity.
- The enjoyment of skilled practical work and the achievement of high quality outcomes.
- Safe practice in the use of tools, equipment and machinery.
- Understanding the use of electronic, mechanical, pneumatic and computer-controlled systems in product design.
- To develop a critical awareness of the social and environmental impact of Technology and Design activities.
Key Stage 3
Technology and Design is taught at this level in two 35 minute periods a week. Pupils have the opportunity to engage in a number of practical projects and will develop fundamental skills in working with tools and machinery. Emphasis is also placed on creativity skills and learning how to use graphical communication to share ideas. The use of ICT is central to the subject and pupils will have opportunities to design using Computer-Aided Design (CAD), create computer models of electronic circuits, write programs to control products and use automated CNC machinery.
Key Stage 4
At GCSE, pupils follow the CCEA Technology and Design specification to build on the skills and knowledge developed at Key Stage 3. Systems and control technology is a major focus with pupils learning about electronic, pneumatic, mechanical and computerised control systems. Materials and manufacturing techniques are also covered in depth. Pupils complete two pieces of controlled assessment which allow them to design and manufacture their own products in response to set design themes.
AS/A2
At A-level, the CCEA Technology and Design specification is followed. At AS level, there is an emphasis on product design skills in both the examinable and coursework elements. Pupils also study electronics. At A2 level, the coursework element asks pupils to design and manufacture a product which uses electronic or microelectronic control systems. Pupils also study for an exam in this area.
Careers
The study of Technology and Design can be useful for a number of careers including: -
· Engineering
· Product/Industrial Design
· Architecture
· ICT
· Electrician
· Joinery
Achievements & Trips
2011 Toyota Technology Challenge – Irish regional winners, 3rd place in UK final.
2010 Northern Ireland Design Competition – Won by former pupil Paddy Stevenson-Keating. See Link
Web links
Information on GCSE and A-level courses can be found at the following link
Information on the Northern Ireland Curriculum for Key Stage 3 can be found at the following link
Technology and Design
