Design & Technology

D V G Dunn, MA, BA (Head of Department)
T J Day, CertEd
Mrs A Jackson, BSc
I Stewart, BSc

Why Design and Technology?
There can be few other courses at this level which allow the student such opportunities to link current interests to career ambitions. A pupil looking to industry, business, the fashion industry or engineering as a possible career will find this subject challenging, relevant and rewarding.  It should also be noted that the Design and Technology A/S and A-level courses in Product Design and Textiles Technology offer an invaluable grounding in the work undertaken in higher education in the field of product design as well as in engineering-based, textiles-based and science-based courses.  Pupils interested in teaching, marketing and architecture would also find the courses a very worthwhile option.

The Course Specification
Ideally, candidates will follow a 4-Unit programme running over two years and resulting in the award of an A-level.  Alternatively it is possible to take 2-Units leading to the award of an A/S after one year.

Unit 1 Complete Design and Make Project. 
(September - March)
(50% of A/S grade)
 
(i) Detailed design portfolio to assemble
(ii) A quality product to be made
Unit 2 Knowledge and Understanding of Product/Textile Design.  Theory examination of 2 hours.
(50% of A/S grade)

i) Compliant and Resistant Materials and components
ii) Working properties of materials
iii) Hand and commercial processes
iv) Product manufacture
v) Design in practice

Units 1 + 2 = A/S
Units 1, 2, 3 and 4 = A2 (full A-level)

Unit 3 Further Study of Product Design.
Theory examination of 2 hours.
(50% of A2 grade)

i) Modern technologies and materials
ii) Product/garment manufacture
iii) Design in practice

 
Unit 4 Commercial Product Development. 
(September - March)
(50% of A2 grade)

 Design and make a product for a client. 
i) Detailed design portfolio to assemble
ii) A quality product/garment to manufacture
iii) Feedback and evaluation by the client

The courses offer candidates opportunities to acquire and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ‘made world’.  The key role which design plays in shaping changes is focussed on.  The attributes and the responsibilities of the designer are also explored.  Candidates are afforded opportunities to demonstrate technological capability through designing and making products.

The subject specification is designed to enable candidates to study the following:

 Identifying opportunities for design and technological activity;
 Carry out problem solving activity in a detailed and structured manner;
 The designing and making of products/garments;
 Components, as appropriate within systems – electrical, electronic, mechanical and interface;
 Materials/fabrics technology as appropriate to production systems;
 A range of manufacturing methods and control systems;
 Social, moral and cultural issues in the context of technological decision making;
 Constraints that economic and ergonomic factors place on the designing and making of products and systems.
 Factors relating to CAD/CAM.

Entry Qualifications
A GCSE pass at grade B or better in Design and Technology: Resistant Materials, Textiles, Product Design, Electronic Products, Systems and Control or Graphics.

Facilities
The Yarm School Design and Technology Department is exceptionally well equipped and resourced and is housed in a new building.  Besides the usual provision for woodworking and metalworking and textiles, the Department possesses a number of CNC machines including one for machining fabrics and laser cutting.  The Department also has its own foundry and has excellent facilities for all forms of electric and gas welding.  Equipment for vacuum forming and other plastics techniques is available.  There are two spacious design studios as well as advanced computing equipment for design work and robot control.  A separate room is specially equipped for work involving computer control, electronics and CAD/CAM.  A good range of facilities also exist for those biased towards textiles in design. Extra-curricular activities centred on the department are wide-ranging in scope and opportunity.
 

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