Technology


Department Aims

The Design and Technology Department at St Alban's is made up of 5 areas: Food Technology, Graphics, Electronic/Product Design, Resistant Materials and Textiles. All areas are taught to all students at Key Stage 3 on a carousel, and students opt to specialise in one area at Key Stage 4.

Design and technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly-changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve the quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem-solvers, as individuals and as members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators.

KS3

Pupils will complete design and make assignments within the specialist areas. Each design and make assignment is central to improving the pupils’ design and make capabilities. The pupils will be given the chance to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of materials in each discipline to meet design challenges that address specific needs. The design and make assignments will enable pupils to develop confidence and the ability to apply design ideas in a creative and practical way. They are encouraged to combine practical skills with an understanding of needs, wants & opportunities; aesthetics; social and environmental issues; context; function and industrial practices. The assignments provide opportunities for pupils to work individually and as part of a group. Each design and make task will be delivered and assessed through six subskills:

  • Exploring ideas and the task;

  • Generating ideas;

  • Developing and modeling ideas;

  • Plan

  • Evaluating;ning;

  • Making high-quality products.

KS4

To enable students to combine knowledge and understanding with designing and making skills. Subject specific materials will be introduced through relevant theory and research and then will be supported and reinforced through the final design and make task where appropriate. The course is designed to give the students the opportunity to develop practical abilities, skills, knowledge, techniques, processes and confidence to design, make and modify products through the specific subject areas materials, tools, machines, equipment and processes in preparation for their final G.C.S.E. course work assignment. Students will develop their practical skills and are given the opportunity to extend knowledge and understanding through product analysis and computer aided and manufactured design. Students are encouraged to develop critical and aesthetic abilities, to enable them to evaluate design and technology activity, including their own, in the context of an identified need.

Students are also given the opportunity to gain relevant understanding and first-hand experience of current Industrial Practice, the application of systems and control (CAD/CAM), and through industrial links.

KS5

There are three options for students who wish to study technology through AS and A2. These are Product Design, Graphic Design and Textiles.

Graphics (AQA) is based on ideas and designs that provoke thought and interest, and there is a natural bias toward commercial intent. The course is art-based and it is essential that you have competent drawing skills, although the structure of the course will help students improve their skills within a disciplined approach. Students are encouraged to solve creative problems with flair and imagination. Course components include drawing, painting, printing, advertising, digital imaging, packaging, typography.

Product Design (OCR) is an all-encompassing subject which allows you to broaden your materials knowledge of cards, woods, metals and plastics and the course provides flexibility for you to specialise in your preferred materials choice. AS work is split between a Product Study assignment and an Innovation Challenge; the emphasis is very much on analyse, design and develop. A major design and make task and a design-based exam is undertaken in Year 13.

Textiles (AQA) at A’Level offers you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge within this specialism. You will have the opportunity to investigate various print methods, the embellishment of cloth, fashion design and application and textiles installation. The work is assessed using a range of methods including assignments, case studies, essays, exhibitions and presentations.