Design Technology
Design & Technology is taught as a separate subject in Year 3 through to Year 8. The subject is also beginning to be introduced into the Pre-Prep.
Design and Technology is split up into various elements which are covered throughout the Prep School years.
1) Graphics - This involves looking at all aspects of 2D and 3D drawing, colour theory, rendering techniques, packaging and promotion, etc.
2) Resistant Materials - This is wood, metal and plastic, and skills are developed in cutting, shaping, joining and forming the materials.
3) Electronics - We look at the theoretical and practical aspect of this subject, which involves looking at components, circuits and the manufacture of PCB boards to make simple products.
4) Structures & Mechanisms -The pupils are given the opportunity to investigate and manufacture natural, man-made, frame and shell structures. They also gain skills in the workings of simple mechanisms such as gears, cams, levers and linkages.
5) Textiles - The structure of fabrics is investigated and then skills obtained in the decoration and construction of products.
6) Systems and Control - Utilising computers we investigate how they can be used to control various systems, for example traffic lights and automatic doors. We also look at how systems work in our environment.
The department is contained in a recently refurbished building, which consists of four purpose built rooms: a) Graphics suite b) Workshop c) Textiles and IT d) Storage and heavy machinery
The facilities are excellent and extremely well resourced, which enables children to produce exciting and imaginative pieces of work in lessons and in activities after school.
Some examples of projects produced during lessons
Year 5: Crisp packets, Plastazote Fridge Magnet, Acrylic Keyrings, Softwood Pencil Holders, Medieval Catapults, Towers
Year 6: Pop up Cards, Plastic Hook, Egg Holder, Book Ends
Year 7: Carton competition, Plastic Packaged Wooden jigsaw, Gliders, Moving Displays, Photo Frames
Year 8: Promotional Posters, Wooden Wedges, Plastic Organiser, Clocks
Some examples of projects produced in activities
Origami, Mobiles, Kites, Cup Holders, Jigsaws, Puppets, Mirrors, Picture Frames, Model Planes, Decorative Models, Decorative Boxes, Model Boats, Keyrings, Seesaw & Slide, Wooden Games
ISI Inspection report 2011"The breadth and quality of pupils' achievements are outstanding and they are well educated in line with the school's aims."
