Design and Technology

Solving real world problems using the latest techniques and equipment

Our Design and Technology Centre has gained a national reputation for excellence in the fields of innovative design and manufacture.

The department maintains consistently high standards. Pupils receive guidance and encouragement from a dedicated team of teachers and a technician, all of whom care passionately about their particular area of expertise and constantly strive to support their pupils’ ambitions. 

Design and technology can be studied in Year 9, as one of their ‘Creatives’ options, as well as at GCSE and A-level. It is a thriving course taught in a department with excellent design and manufacturing capability.

Department Overview

The large, very well-equipped centre is situated across three floors. The first two floors contain two well-resourced workshops where pupils can replicate industrial practices using equipment such as a CNC router, two laser-cutters and a heat-treatment area as well as traditional hand and machine tools. On the top floor, there are three studios equipped with computers and interactive whiteboards and 3D printers. A wide selection of industry-specific software is available, with most 3D solid and surface modelling done using our preferred platform, Onshape.

In Year 9, pupils complete a series of design and make challenges in which they develop theory, design and making skills in the use of acrylic, metal and wood. They are also introduced to the use of computer-aided design and manufacture.

Pupils are encouraged to view their work in the light of the commercial world and take part in a relevant educational visits as they arise. In Year 11, talented pupils are invited to join the Smallpeice Trust, Arkwright Scholarship Programme, where the College has been successful over many years in applicants being awarded scholarships.

At A-level, pupils learn both through taught theory sessions but predominantly through making, allowing them to develop a sound understanding of the design and manufacture of products. This course prepares them for a wide range of higher education courses including architecture, engineering, industrial, product and furniture design. The course is equally suitable for pupils not considering a career in design or manufacturing since it provides them with a wide range of transferable skills including problem-solving, teamwork and high-level IT competencies.

Beyond the Classroom

Senior pupils are expected to take on real-life design challenges and engage with the commercial world using real clients and industrial mentors to broaden their knowledge and hone their skills.

The College offers a practical EPQ to give pupils an opportunity to pursue a personal creative qualification of their choice where they are supported by an advisor and creative mentor.  The department also encourages pupils to participate in a variety of competitions. In recent years, significant success has been achieved in many different disciplines.

The department has continued its success in a number of local, national and international competitions, including nominations for the Triumph Design Awards, RSA Pupil Design Awards, the Foundation for the History of Totalitarianism and the British International Education Association STEM Design Competition. In the latter, we were world runners-up.