St.Ignatius College

Why Design & Technology?

Design and technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators.

The design of an object defines its meaning and ultimately its utility. The nature of the connection between technology and people is determined by the designer.
Jonathan Ive, Chief Designer, Apple Computer

An understanding of the technical possibilities available, together with an interest in and sensitivity to use of language, gives you the confidence to express your design ideas.
Freda Sack, Type Designer and Typographer, The Foundry

‘Tell me and I forget – show me and I may remember – let me do it, and I learn.’
Learning through making works!
Prue Leith, Leith’s School of Food and Wine

Design and technology is about making things that people want and that work well. Creating these things is hugely exciting: it is an inventive, fun activity.
James Dyson, Chairman, Dyson Ltd

Departmental Staff

The department comprises five specialist teachers and one technician:

• Mr C Doran – Head of Design Technology (Work Experience Co-ordinator)
• Mrs D Donaghy (Food Technology)
• Mr G Leung
• Mr J Masilungan
• Mr M Turner
• Mrs T Chapman (Food Technician)

Facilities

The department has five work areas:
Three multipurpose workshops, two of which have direct access to a hot metal process area.
One Graphics / Computer room containing 14 computers which form part of the main school network.
One purpose built Food Technology room – new facility autumn 2010.

Resources

The department is well resourced with equipment and consumables in stock, a range of software including CAD/CAM. Further development is ongoing.

Courses

Key Stage 3
A 3 Stage Carousel System operates to include:
(1) 2 x 50 minute lesson taught as a double Design & Technology
(2) 2 x 50 minute lesson taught as a double Design & Technology
(3) 2 x 50 minute lesson taught as a double Food and 1 x 50 minute lesson taught as a single D&T

• Year 7 – Group size half class approx 16 pupils, mixed ability for first half of Autumn Term, followed by streaming process giving 1 top stream group and 1 mainstream group. Group size approx 16 pupils, mixed ability within each stream.
• Year 8 – Group size approx 16 pupils, mixed ability
• Year 9 – Group size approx 16 pupils, mixed ability

Key Stage 4
(3 x 50 minute lessons each week)
• Pupils from both bands may choose to study a GCSE Design & Technology Course, courses currently offered are: Graphic Products and Resistant Materials. These are chosen by approximately one third of the pupils.

Key Stage 5
(6 x 50 minute lessons each week)
• Product Design is offered to both AS and A2 Level.

Aims – Design and Technology is about providing practical learning experiences which are directly concerned with identifying human needs, generating ideas, planning, making and evaluating as a complete entity.

Each pupil’s capability is summarised by two attainment targets – Designing and Making.

• The Design and Technology Department aims to give pupils the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills such as questioning, communicating, organising, manipulating materials and equipment, and evaluating.
• Pupils are encouraged to develop their personal qualities of confidence, perseverance, respect for the opinion of others, teamwork, and working with thought and care.
• Through Design and Technology activities pupils will broaden their knowledge of resistant materials, graphic media, textiles, systems and control, structures and health and safety.
• Pupils are encouraged to consider aesthetic, environmental, social and moral aspects of Design and Technology.
• Every pupil is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential through structured tasks, regardless of their ability.