Design Technology

Design technology is one of the most varied subject areas which draws together elements of your learning from other subjects and applies them in a useful, usable way.

Technology is fundamental to our lives - from the phones in our pockets to the houses we live in, from the transport that brings our food to the design of the fabrics we wear.

In technology, you will learn about many areas that will stimulate you academically as well as allowing you to gain practical useful skills for later life, whether or not you pursue a career in these areas.

During their year 7, 8 and 9 lessons, students will have the opportunity to explore the principles of design and technology. Alongside learning about the design process and how to produce design ideas, they will look at products and analyse them to gain an understanding of how and why they have been made that way, what materials have been used and the environmental impact of the design and technology.

Students will undertake a range of projects to learn about different materials and their properties, and use a range of tools and equipment to produce a product.

Design Technology – GCSE Product Design

Why study Product Design?

We live in exciting times! In the last 100 or so years, the technological advancement of the world’s cultures has advanced at a staggering rate, with design and technology as the key to this progression. If you have an inquiring mind, are interested in how things are designed and made, and think that there are better ways for products to be designed then D&T is for you.

Product design combines creative, practical and STEM skills into one exciting and interactive subject. On top of this, the creative design industry is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the UK. The Product Design course is designed to prepare students for entry into the industry or further education by providing them with relevant skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern creative design market.

Topics include:

Materials
New and Emerging Technologies
Mechanical and Electrical systems
Past and present designers
Design methods
Manufacturing skills
CAD/CAM

Assessment

One piece of non-examination coursework (NEA), completed in year 11 worth 50% of the total mark.
One exam at the end of year 11, worth 50%.

Which students do well at Product Design?

...those who have an interest in design
...those who are interested in producing practical outcomes
...those who are interested in how/why things are made
...those who are interested in past and present design

Who do I contact for more information?

Mrs L Hart (l.hart@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)

Design Technology – BTEC Engineering

Why study Engineering?

The aims of this course are to introduce students to the exciting and fast-changing world of engineering. The course is designed to show students the many different areas of engineering and how they are used in the modern world. The students will learn how to design, build and test electronic circuits and also learn how to investigate engineered products and describe them in detail explaining why they are made that way and why the materials were chosen. Students will finish the course having learned about a wide variety of exciting new developments in engineering and how they are used in the real world.

As part of this course, students will produce an engineered product and will be trained in how to use equipment such as the lathe and milling machine. Students will learn how to manipulate materials using CAD/CAM and will use automated equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters.

We have great partnerships with industry and our external partnerships will be working with students providing support to them. Students will have the opportunity of having work experience within an engineering company and apprentices will be visiting the school to share ideas with our students regarding their coursework.

An engineering qualification is one of the best ways to ensure employment in one of the areas where job opportunities are growing. The Telegraph recently reported that an engineering degree is one of the top qualifications most likely to secure future employment. With support from our partners and our expertise, we believe that we provide an excellent education for our 21st-century students.

Topics will include:

Engineering Principles
Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team
Engineering Product Design and Manufacture
Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering
A Specialist Engineering Project
Microcontroller Systems for Engineers
Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems

Who can I contact for help?

Mrs L Hart (l.hart@poolehigh.poole.sch.uk)

A Level Product Design

The Design and Technology – Product Design A Level combines creative use of the iterative design process, practical workshop skills, CAD/CAM development, plus theoretical knowledge of materials and material processing to develop knowledge and skills from the GCSE content.

Year 12

Students will study the theory of materials including woods, metals, polymers, textiles, composites, and smart and modern materials. Within these material areas, students will learn about the associated material processing methods, the physical, mechanical and material properties of each area, as well as how and why these materials are used for real-life products.

During the Autumn and Spring term, students will undertake a mock NEA project where they will design, develop and make a fully working prototype for a desk lamp themed around a design style of their choosing. Alongside the working lamp, students will produce an A3 design portfolio demonstrating outcomes from the various stages of the design process. In addition to the extended design and make project, students will develop making skills through iterative modelling incorporating ergnomics and design movements.

Year 13

Year two theory completes the theory syllabus started in year 12. Topics include sustainable design, social, moral, and ethical design factors, inclusive design, applied maths and physics, and advanced technical drawing.

Students will spend the end of year 12 and most of year 13 completing a single, self-identified “live” project. This project MUST be undertaken with a live client to liaise with and will entail the full design process. Students will have to identify a need or problem that their client has, analyse and research associated areas, then design and develop a suitable outcome, before manufacturing a working prototype. At all stages, the client is involved and consulted as to whether the proposed designs meet their specifications.