Through the creative application of the principles of physical science and computing technology via the medium of 2-D and 3-D designing, the elements of engineering, technical drawing, application of number and graphical communication are harmonised into the designs of innovative 3-D products.
The subject study investigates the designing, engineering and manufacturing of products to suit real human needs. Taught elements covered in the Lower School develop research, reasoning, designing, drawing, making, fine motor skills and evaluative commentary, in conjunction with the application of mathematics, computing, risk assessment and applied knowledge from science.
Key units covered sequentially at Key Stage 3 also form the preparatory study for the GCSE and Advanced Level D&T: Product Design & Engineering:
- Structures - Architectural chair
- Computer Aided Design
- Metal Technology - Sports bag-tag
- Programmable components - BBC micro:bit step counter
- Laser cutting casting patterns - MDF
- Machine die casting - Pewter
- Corporate branding - Benenden-i-Belong
- Foundation electronics - programmable LED memo pad
- Graphical communication - Laser cut wood veneer bookmark
- Polymer processing experiments
- Product design in polymers - Kitchen utensil
- Vacuum forming technology - Time for Design
The Design and Technology Department is housed in purpose built facilities which enable product design within a bespoke CAD studio, manufacture and testing in an extensively equipped multi-media workshop, alongside computer controlled machining facilities for digital vinyl sign cutting, CNC wood and metal routing, laser cutting of polymers and man-made boards, textile embroidery and 3-D fusion deposition printers in a 3-D Engineering room.
Staff have extensive knowledge and experience in all facets of the subject and have commercial and industrial backgrounds in addition to their many years of teaching.
