Design & Technology
At KS3 students undertake a foundation course, which offers them the opportunity to design and make products using a variety of materials and components.
In the Third Form (Year 7) students undertake short projects that allow them to design and make using metal, wood and plastics. In addition to these materials, students will also use computer aided design software to help them develop designs.
In the Shells (Year 8) students become more independent designers and projects are extended to include electronics and computer aided manufacture. Projects include a thyristor based alarm and a bridge building competition which helps students to share ideas and work as a team.
In the Fourths (Year 9) students focus on designs that incorporate mechanisms and structures and prepare them for the selection of their GCSE course.
In Thirds and Shells, students will each receive 1 double lesson per week. At the end of the Shells year students can opt to continue their Design Technology studies. In the Fourths students will receive 4 lessons per week. At the end of the Fourths, students will then have the option to continue their studies into either and electronics or resistant materials based GCSE course.