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Technology and Design

Aims and Objectives

At The Abbey, Technology and Design is a creative and practical subject that encourages pupils to think differently, solve problems and develop ideas into real products. Through a wide range of design-and-make activities, students build confidence, resilience and independence while developing skills that are highly valued in education and industry.

Our pupils learn to:

Think creatively and solve real-world problems
Develop practical manufacturing and technological skills
Work independently and collaboratively
Make informed design decisions
Create and evaluate high-quality products
Consider sustainability and responsible design

From Year 8 through to A Level, pupils experience a balance of practical workshop activities, design work and modern manufacturing technologies. The department has a particular strength in electronic and microelectronic control systems, allowing students to explore areas such as circuits, sensors, programmable control, automation and smart technologies that are increasingly used throughout modern engineering and product design.

Facilities & Resources

Technology & Design is taught in a purpose-built suite comprising three systems rooms, two planning rooms and three multi-material workshops. The workshops are fully equipped with a range of hand tools and equipment including a metal lathe, a bandsaw, pillar drill, polisher, bandfacer, MIG welder and oxyacetylene welding facilities. ICT facilities include 5 interactive whiteboards and 56 C2Kni networked desktop computers with associated peripherals, graphics tablets and printers. Three CNC routers and a newly acquired laser cutter, which will be used extensively by all pupils in the manufacture of 2D and 3D components from computer aided drawings.

Quick Contact Details

Miss K. McArdle

[email protected]

02830263142

Curriculum Information

Key Stage 3

All pupils study Technology & Design at Key Stage 3.

In Years 8, 9 and 10, pupils will have the experience of using a range of different materials, such as acrylic, aluminium, plywood etc. to manufacture individual projects. Pupils will have the opportunity to manufacture two different projects each year, as well as completing theory, graphics and computer work related to these projects.

Year 8 Manufacturing Projects : Freddie the Frog & Door Entry Indicator

Year 9 Manufacturing Projects : Mechanical Dog Plant Pot & Moisture Sensor

Year 10 Manufacturing Projects : Phone Holder & LED Night Light

GCSE

https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-technology-and-design-2017

At GCSE, students study the CCEA Technology and Design specification, a creative and practical subject that develops skills in designing, problem-solving, innovation and manufacturing. Pupils learn how products are designed, developed and made using modern materials, systems and technologies.

Unit 1: Technology Core (25%) 1 hour 30 minutes written exam

External written examination sat in the summer of Year 11.
Assesses students’ understanding of Technology Core theory, including:
- Design processes
- Materials and manufacturing
- Electronics and control
- CAD/CAM
- Sustainability and environmental issues
- Quality and production systems

Students also begin developing the skills and knowledge required for the NEA project.

Unit 2 : Optional Area of Study (25%) 1 hour 30 minutes written exam

External written examination sat in the summer of Year 12.
Students study Option A: Electronics and Microelectronic Control Systems
Assesses students’ understanding of electronic principles and their application in technological products, including:
- Electronic components and circuits
- Input, process and output systems
- Sensors and control systems
- Logic gates and truth tables
- Microcontrollers and programmed control
- Circuit design and analysis
- Electronic system applications in everyday products

Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse, design and evaluate electronic systems used in modern technology.

Unit 3 : Non-exam assessment (NEA) – 50% of GCSE

Design-and-make project completed throughout Year 12, accompanied by a 10 page A3 portfolio.
Students respond to a design brief/theme issued by CCEA.
Assesses students’ ability to apply the design process to solve a real-world problem, including:
- Research and investigation
- Identifying client and user needs
- Generating and developing design ideas
- Design communication using sketches and CAD
- Planning and manufacturing
- Testing and evaluation
- Reflection and modification

Students produce a high-quality practical outcome alongside a detailed design portfolio, allowing them to demonstrate creativity, innovation, practical skills and independent learning.

AS & A Level

https://ccea.org.uk/post-16/gce/subjects/gce-technology-and-design-2016

Pupils have the option of studying A-Level Technology & Design, preferably, if they have studied it at GCSE level. The CCEA specification is followed. Students complete a design project comprising a design portfolio and an associated manufacturing task.

AS Level

AS (1): Compulsory: Design and Materials. Option: Systems and Control – Specialist area of study: Students answer two questions that reflect the area of technology they chose to specialise in from the three options available. Option A: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems.

2 x 1 hour written exams – 50% of AS – 20% of A-Level