Design and Technology has become one of the integral subjects now being taught within the school curriculum, due to the large demand for STEM related jobs in Northern Ireland and further afield.
Overview
The subject can be broken down into various aspects, each different from the next, but yet all still fall under the main heading of Design and Technology.
The main areas in the subject are:
Design
Manufacture
Theory
Key Stage 3
Year 8: Design and Technology
Students experience a number of activities covering the theory and the practical aspects of working with woods, plastics, systems and control and drawing techniques. The students design and manufacture two different projects in the academic year.
Year 9: Design and Technology
Students experience a number of activities covering the theory and the practical aspects of working with woods, plastics, systems and control and drawing techniques. The students design and manufacture two different projects in the academic year. The focus for this year group is sustainability and the environment.
Year 10: Design and Technology
Students experience a number of activities covering the theory and the practical aspects of working with woods, plastics, systems and control and drawing techniques. The students design and manufacture one project. This project is broke down into 3 main areas of Construction, Product Design and Electronic Products. This year gives the pupils the opportunity to experience the different subjects, which are offered by the department at GCSE. This will aid the pupils when selecting their subject choices at the end of year 10.
GCSE Choices Year 11 and 12
Construction
The course we provide in year 10 comprises the basic knowledge needed to undertake construction industry and the building environment at GCSE level.
Electronic Products
Specification: CCEA Examination Board's Website
This equips the students with knowledge of key components as well as the skills necessary to manufacture a finished PCB for their controlled assessment.
AS Course Year 13
Systems and Control & Product Design
Specification: CCEA Examination Board's Website
The subject entails all aspects of Design and Technology, with students having to improve a current product's design, function and aesthetics.
A2 Course Year 14
Systems and Control
Specification: CCEA Examination Board's Website
The subject entails all aspects of Design and Technology, with students having to improve a current product's design, function and aesthetics.
Extra Curricular
Technology Club
The Technology Club runs on a Thursday after school, from 3.30-4.30 pm. The club is open to KS3 students, who have a keen interest in the subject and want to deepen their knowledge and understanding.
Each year, the students decide on a list of possible projects they can design and manufacture. The club gives students from other year groups, the opportunity to meet on a social level and discuss their same interests about the subject.
The students have completed a number of projects in previous years. A list is given below, with images of the finished product.
- Steady Hand Game
- Pong Game
- Brain Memory Game
The Technology Club will run after school during the first term, from 3.30 - 4.15pm.
Examples of previous Technology club projects
Technology Staff
- Mr Brogan - HoD
- Mr Robinson
- Mrs Shannon
- Mr Johnston
- Mr Johnston - Technican