Technology and Design

Members of the Department

Mr Robinson (Leader of Technology and Design)

Mrs McKee

Michael McVeigh (Technician)

Aims

As a department, our aim is to educate our young people so that they have the skills to excel in this ever changing technological age. Technology and Design encourages innovation, creativity and problem solving these are the core skills we nurture through lessons alongside literacy, numeracy and ICT.

KS3

Pupils follow a programme designed to scaffold their knowledge from year 8- year 10 so that when they chose to study Technology and Design for GCSE and A level their key skills, knowledge and vocabulary are already in place.

Year 8

Pupils complete 4 practical projects developing key workshop skills and awareness

  • Halloween Mask

  • Wooden storage project

  • Metal key ring project

  • Coding robotic project using BBC Micro:bits

Year 9

  • Pupils further develop these competences by completing 3 projects during the school year.

  • Reading light project

  • Sustainable motion project with ergonomics focus

  • Solidworks introduction

Year 10

Pupils complete larger projects which combine more areas of the Technology and Design specification, we encourage greater innovation and creative thought as most key workshop skills are embedded by year 10.

  • Sensory electronic project to solve real life problem

  • Graphical techniques focus with the opportunity to explore CAD

  • STEM challenges with a focus on creativity, innovation and teamwork.

KS4

Year 11 and Year 12 pupils chose to study one of two options:

CCEA Technology and Design

OCN Craft

Post 16

Vocational pupils receive an Engineering Design qualification through OCR, Cambridge National.

AS and A2 level pupils follow the AQA level Product Design course

Career Opportunities

Studying Technology and Design develops skills which are fundamental in the following career areas:

  • Engineering

  • Medicine

  • Finance

  • ICT and Computing

  • Design – Graphics, Interior, Spatial & Product.

  • Conservation

  • Trades – Electrician, Mechanic, Plaster, Plumber & Construction.

St Joseph's College