A subject that nurtures creativity

At all levels, pupils learn about the nature of materials, how products are made and how they work. Through design and practical tasks, pupils develop good problem-solving skills and a curiosity for the designed world. These valuable skills can be applied within many other subject areas. Many past pupils have found this subject to be a useful starting point to enter careers such as engineering, architecture, product design or 3D design.

The Department enjoys the use of a well-equipped workshop, computer suite and CAD/CAM facilities, presently in the form of a laser cutter and plotter/cutter. The work of the Department can be seen on display during Founder’s Weekend.

Lower School curriculum

In the Lower School (Years 7 and 8), we focus on building skills and confidence to use a range of tools and equipment. Girls are given a brief and work through the design process to develop an initial idea through to completion. Creativity is key and pupils enjoy being able to incorporate their own ideas into a project; this often includes the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM).

Upper School curriculum

Girls opting to take Design and Technology at GCSE develop their skills and interests further. The Upper Fifth (Year 11) work on a single coursework project, which will account for 50% of the final grade.

Sixth Form curriculum

At A Level, students complete a range of projects in the Lower Sixth and a single coursework project in the Upper Sixth (accounting for 50% of the final grade). Small group sizes mean that projects are ambitious and challenging. AQA specifications are followed at both GCSE and A Level.

Further information about the teaching and learning of Design and Technology may be obtained by contacting Mr Ben Wall, Head of Product Design. Email: wallb@downehouse.net.