Technology and Design gives pupils the opportunity to use materials to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to design and solve problems effectively.
The subject specification is divided into four areas:
- Designing
- Communicating
- Energy and control
- Materials and manufacturing processes
Subject:
Technology & Design
Levels taught:
KS3
GCSE/KS4
Post 16
Staff:
(Permanent staff only)
Mr H Davidson (HoD)
Mr P Bell
Mr A Foster (Technician)
KS3:
(Subject/Topic Content)
Year 8
- Introduction to Technology and Design
- Health and Safety
- Project 1 Photo Holder (Plastics)
- Project 2 Christmas Decoration (Electronics)
- Project 3 Key Fob Torch (Plastics and Electronics)
- Project 4 Magic Note Holder (Wood and Mechanisms)
All projects include simple Design and Communication of ideas through 2 and 3D graphics.
Year 9
- Health and Safety plays an integral role in all practical projects.
- Project 1 Steady Hand Game provides pupils with an insight into electronic design using the computer program crocodile clips to model a suitable circuit. Pupils manufacture an electronic circuit, soldering components unto the PCB. Pupils manufacture the container using wood, metal and plastic.
- Project 2 Mobile Phone Holder Pupils use their knowledge of plastics to design a suitable device to hold a mobile phone. This project allows pupils to be creative whilst designing for a specific need.
Year 10
Pupils should be able to work much more independently having gained skills and knowledge of processes and materials.
- Project 1 Automatic Night Light, Pupils model the circuit using computer software and construct a circuit on a PCB which will turn on LED’s when it gets dark. Pupils realize the lamp in a combination of materials.
- Project 2 Storage Container, Pupils use their design skills and knowledge of wood to manufacture a container to hold items of their choice.
- Pupils are introduced to CAD packages which they use to complete design drawings.
Pupils have been given an insight into Technology and Design throughout Key Stage 3 and the employment opportunities which exist in the world of work. This should give the opportunity to make an informed choice to which career path they wish to follow and the subject choices in Key Stage 4.
Subjects offered in the Technology Department at Key Stage 4
1. GCSE Construction in the Built Environment
2. GCSE Engineering
3. Occupational Studies Carpentry & Joinery
4. GCSE Motor Vehicle & Road User Studies
KS3:
Additional Links
GCSE/KS4:
GCSE Construction in the Built Environment
This qualification features up-to-date content that reflects modern-day practices in the construction industry. It encourages students to develop their knowledge of the construction industry and the built environment. They then apply this knowledge in relevant and work-related contexts. They learn to interpret drawings of domestic buildings and explore the materials and sustainable methods used in domestic and commercial construction. The specification also helps students to appreciate the importance of health and safety in the construction industry.
To enhance their practical skills, students complete a craft project based on woodwork. They also develop their computer aided design (CAD) knowledge, understanding and skills by producing a portfolio of work.
GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.
The specification has four units:
- Unit 1: Introduction to the Built Environment 25%
- Unit 2: Sustainable Construction 25%
- Unit 3: The Construction Craft Project 25%
- Unit 4: Computer Aided Design in Construction. 25%
GCSE Engineering
GCSE in Engineering encourages students to be innovative and creative, and to take design risks. It provides them with knowledge and understanding of the contribution that engineering makes to society and the economy.
Through its focus on interpreting technical drawings, using manufacturing tools and processes, and using computer-aided design, this specification has a hands-on approach that relates directly to the engineering industry. It provides students with a good foundation for progressing to apprenticeships or further education in areas such as electrical and electronic engineering, electrical installation, mechanical engineering, and fabrication and welding engineering.
GCSE in Engineering is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.
The specification has three units:
- Unit 1: Design 25%
- Unit 2: Production 25%
- Unit 3: Materials, Processes and Systems. 50%
Occupational Studies Carpentry & Joinery
These units are designed to provide increased vocational skills in Carpentry & Joinery and associated activities. This qualification is 100% coursework assessed with two practical tasks. The practical tasks fulfil two units under the construction umbrella. In Yr11 pupils complete a table in Bench Joinery with a variety of joints which fulfils criteria set by ccea. In Yr12 pupils complete a Bird House in Carpentry & Joinery which gives pupils an understanding on site joinery and roof construction.
These units include:
- Consideration of health and safety issues with respect to workshop activities in bench joinery
- Consideration of career opportunities related to working with wood in the construction industry
- An appreciation of environmental issues relating to timber
- The appropriate use of bench joinery hand tools, and basic hand-held power tools
- Techniques of cutting, jointing, boring and planing to produce construction related components
- Construction of a range of bench joinery models
- A review and evaluation of performance
GCSE Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies
Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies prepares students to become responsible road users. It gives students an opportunity to develop their interest in and appreciation of the motor vehicle. They discover the responsibilities of vehicle ownership and the legal requirements of being a road user. They explore motor vehicle and road user theory. They also have access to a moped to carry out a practical riding activity and investigate a real-life traffic situation.
Students develop knowledge of the Highway Code, including road user behaviour, road signs and markings and using appropriate signals. They learn about driving at night and under adverse conditions, as well as the causes and prevention of road traffic collisions. They investigate the legal requirements of driving and owning a vehicle. This includes learning about motor insurance, required documentation and what to do in the event of a collision.
GCSE in Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.
The specification has three units:
- Unit 1: Motor Vehicle and Road User Theory 50%
- Unit 2: Investigative Study 25%
- Unit 3: Practical Riding Activity. 25%
GCSE/KS4
Additional Links
Post 16:
Year 13
Info Coming soon
Year 14
Info Coming soon
Post 16:
Additional Links
CCEA
Careers service NI
University of Ulster
Queens University