Technology
Staff
Mr R McMorris BSc PGCE (Head of Department)
Mr R Currie BSc PGCE
Technical Support -
P Newell
What We Do
Technology and Design is a compulsory subject for all pupils at Key Stage 3, and optional for those at GCSE and at A-level. The teaching of Technology and Design aims to equip pupils with the skills necessary to live in an increasingly technological society by developing pupil's:
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Technological literacy, imagination and creativity.
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Awareness of the implications of technology and design decisions on society and then develop, through active learning, pupils' understanding of technology and design.
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Involvement in purposeful design activities resulting in the development of products.
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Ability to communicate information and ideas through a variety of media.
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Physical, intellectual and interpersonal skills.
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Logical and systematic thinking when working with ICT and Problem Solving..
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Understanding of technological devices and providing opportunities to employ them.
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Ability to identify, examine and resolve practical problems.
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Understanding of Sustainable Development
Since 2009 the department has seen major investment with the addition of a Laser Cutter, new CNC Machining software, PCB Engraving facilities, 3D Printing and new operating PCs. This has allowed us to revolutionise our approach to projects at Key Stage 3 and keep up-to-date with the Exam board requirements at GCSE and A-Level.
We promote STEM activities outside of the classroom, and have enjoyed success in the F1-In-Schools programme in recent years where we have represented Northern Ireland at the National F1-In-Schools events at the Birmingham NEC in 2015 and at Silverstone in 2016.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 level we involve pupils in a wide range of design and manufacture projects. In these initial years we aim to develop an enthusiasm for the subject so that pupils will see Technology and Design and an option for study further up the school.
We look at the materials used in the world of manufacture and incorporate various Systems and Control methods into our projects from the use of DC Motors in Year 8, LED Technology in Year 9 to GENIE Microcontroller Systems in Year 10.
GCSE
At GCSE Level we follow the CCEA Specification which looks at options such as Micro-Electronics, Electronic, Mechanical, Pneumatic Systems and Control and Resistant Materials.
The assessment is outlined below:
Unit 1 : Technology and Design Common Core Paper 1 hour 30 mins (25%)
Unit 2 : Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems Paper 1 hour 30 mins (25%)
Unit 3 : Coursework: Design and Manufacture Project plus design portfolio (max x10 A3 pages) (50%)
A Level
The CCEA A-Level builds on experience gained through CCEA GCSE Technology and Design. It provides a solid foundation for study at a higher level in areas relating to engineering and design.
AS 1 : Product Design and Systems and Control. Two papers. Each paper 1 hour with 20 min break (50% of AS Level and 20% of A2)
AS 2 : Coursework-Product Development. (50% of AS Level and 20% of A2)
A2 1 : Systems and Control Paper 2 hours (30% of A2 overall)
A2 2 : Coursework-Design and Manufacture. 60 hours of Coursework (30% of A2 overall)
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
- Steve Jobs
Career Options
Designers can work in technical areas such as Engineering and Industrial design, where they need to understand manufacturing processes. Others work on the artistic side, such as textile or fashion designers.
In a small engineering firm, designers may develop their ideas from first sketches to the final product. In larger organisations, designers will specialise in particular aspects of the project.
In creative and media work, designers use images and words for education, training, advertising or entertainment. Ssome work on magazines, newspapers, posters and packaging etc.
Many jobs in design and product development require a foundation degree, HND or degree. Professional engineers are graduates and usually undertake further qualifications. There are some opportunities at technician/support level for those with lower-level qualifications. People in such jobs can undertake part-time study or training, to gain work-related or higher education qualifications.