Design & Technology Department - Aims & Objectives

Design and Technology Vision Statement

Our vision is that through the teaching of Design and Technology, our students will learn how to: manage and control risks, work safely with a variety of tools and materials, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. By taking part in an inspiring and rigorous practical subject, we hope that the children will use their creativity, imagination and social interaction skills to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts – understanding the processes involved from planning through making to evaluation and refinement. During the teaching of design and technology, a wide range of new skills will be acquired and the knowledge of other subjects, such as Mathematics, science, engineering, ICT and art, will be drawn upon and applied.

Design and Technology are embedded into the STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Maths) subjects and provides an excellent foundation for the Product Designers, Engineers and Architects of the future.

Aims & Objectives

Our aims:

To stimulate and maintain student interest, enjoyment, curiosity and concern about technological aspects of the environment, both local and international in Design and Technology.
To enable students to become familiar with the knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary of Design and Technology along with a developed knowledge of different categories of materials (smart) and their properties.
To enable students to be confident and competent in “design for purpose” and making quality products which are “fit for purpose”.
To enable students to evaluate and improve upon a design or product as well as considering the needs of the user and evaluating it against specification criteria.
To develop an awareness of the role of Design and Technology in the development of the modern world and emerging new technologies and their impact upon the planet and the human race.
To develop an enjoyment in risk-taking, creativity, innovation and problem solving of technological problems.
To develop the skills which enable students to make reasoned decisions about the implications of technological advances and to apply principles of nutrition and health to improve their lifestyles?
To develop through Design and Technology a range of desirable personal qualities that will enable students to become confident, committed and co-operative members of society.
To reflect and draw upon the work of past and present designers and design movements along with gaining inspiration from other sources such as nature.
To develop a wide technical vocabulary whilst promoting good literacy skills.

Our objectives:

To provide a range of teaching and learning styles that enable full access to the D&T curriculum.
To deliver schemes of work that cover the new 2019 Programmes of Study for GCSE and relevant qualifications at A level.
To provide a safe and secure working environment for all students and staff.
To challenge students to achieve through project work and to have the ability to “risk takers” and become independent learners.
To develop skills essential for a product’s evaluation and design modification.
To provide an appropriate range of homework activities.
To provide activities that enable students to draw and communicate as well as being able to model in 3D forms.
To provide opportunities for students to discuss technological issues in a ‘real life’ context.
To promote the use of ICT (CAD/CAM) in both developing and communicating ideas.
To develop a range of high-quality practical skills to facilitate the making of high-quality products.
To provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the process of design and Re-design (iterate)
To provide and promote clear communication between the department and the parents of students who require intervention or help.