The Design and Technology Department is positioned within the School in a separate building, which also houses the Art and Ceramics studios, Cookery and Textiles. The department currently consists of two members of staff - the Head of Department and a part time technician. There is a purpose built studio with an office and store. There is a large equipment /project store immediately adjacent to the building.

The department is well-equipped with the following:

• A dedicated CAD/CAM area comprising of
  • Networked PCs
  • Explorer II A2 Laser cutter
  • Roland EGX 300 CAD/CAM Router
  • Roland Camm1 Cutter
  • A3 and A4 Printers

• Design area with large drawing tables and tabletop drawing boards.
• Workshop area equipped with a good range of hand, power and machine tools.

The current curriculum is based on resistant materials and at KS3 also includes elements of graphic design. Over recent years there has been a steady increase in the numbers of students studying GCSE (AQA) Resistant Materials and continuing on to complete the AS and A2 (Edexcel) Product Design courses.

Current GCSE groups consist of between six and ten students, whilst the Sixth form are taught in a combined AS/A2 group of ten students.

At Key Stage 3 the project work helps to develop designing, problem solving and manufacturing skills whilst also implementing the principles specific to Design and Technology as well as and other subjects such as Science and Maths.

Year 7 and 8 students have a weekly lesson (70 minutes) for half the year. The schemes of work are designed to develop their awareness of the workshop, the equipment and materials, whilst implementing the design and make process.

Currently projects include:

• Year 7
  • Mini travel puzzle with vacuum formed case
  • Paper Plane launcher (CAD/ CAM project)
  • Pasta Structures project

• Year 8
  • Team Buggy project - designing and racing Air powered buggies
  • Mobile phone / ‘iPod’ holder

Year 9 students study Design and Technology throughout the year and complete a number of projects including:

• Designer bird boxes and feeders for a modern urban garden
• The ‘Young Engineers Egg Drop Challenge’
• Jewellery project

The relatively small groups in examination years mean that pupils are encouraged to take their own direction in the development of their coursework. This allows each girl to gain the most from her experience in the subject.

The workshops are also open for students to develop their own projects during hobbies sessions on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. There is an open door policy for examination students allowing them to work on projects provided the workshop is staffed at the time.

UV Design and Technology classes were set the challenge to design and build a bird box or bird feeder. Their brief was simple: "make them look cool!"

The finished products exceeded all expectations!!

Design and Technology AS 

The AS course in Design and Technology (product Design) aims to develop the enjoyment of and interest in the design process.  The AS content builds upon the work completed at GCSE, focusing and honing skills and extending your knowledge of the industrial manufacturing processes.

The course is flexible and allows you to direct your studies to your particular interests, whilst still gaining a thorough understanding of the essential core elements of the subject.

The course is assessed both through coursework and examination.  50% of the final mark for the year is via the coursework project, which is a design and make task.  The remaining 50% is awarded through three written examinations: Industrial and Commercial Practices; Materials, Components and Systems; and a further paper based upon the area of design you have studied.

Outline of AS Course

Unit 1:             Product development

This is a full coursework project.  You will produce a functioning prototype that matches its specification.  The development of your product is documented through the completion of a design portfolio.  The main aim of the project is to justify and use appropriate materials and processes.

One of the key focuses in the design and production of a prototype is planning.  You will be expected to plan and manage your own project.  You must make use of all available workshop time whenever there is a Design and Technology teacher or technician present.

 Assessment: Coursework

Unit 2:             Knowledge and Understanding of Product Design

Within this unit you will develop an understanding of  industrial and commercial practices through the investigation of products.  You will investigate a range of manufactured products to gain an understanding of the product design development and manufacture.  You will study the role of design and designer in the world today, and the impact of CAD/CAM on industry, society and the environment.

Unit 3:          Materials, Components and Systems

                     Core element:   Materials and Components

Students develop an understanding of the various types of material types, their properties, suitable industrial practices and testing methods.

        Either   Option A:           CAD and CAM

                           Students study the impact of CAD/CAM on industry, society and the environment, focusing on particular CAM production methods.                                  

        Or         Option B:           Design and Technology in Society

                        Students look at the role of design and the   designer   in the world today, and how they have developed

Outline A2 course

The course is divided into the following three units:

Unit 4:             Further Study of Materials, Components and Systems

This unit continues the work from Unit 3 in greater depth with greater application.

Unit 5:             Product Development

Pupils select a design problem and develop a solution in the form of a prototype portfolio and the practical solution.

 Unit 6:             Design and Technology Capability

This is a synoptic unit which focuses on the knowledge and understanding found within the designing and making process.