Design & Technology
Introduction
Design & Technology activity at Kirkham Grammar School is based upon the philosophy that the subject should primarily be a problem-solving activity utilising both scientific and aesthetic data to achieve ones goal. To this end, the Design & Technology department aims to provide a range of challenging practical projects for all pupils who undertake the subject.
The department is committed to providing a range of projects and challenges that allow pupils the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in the subject. Projects commence with a design problem and related brief that allow all pupils the opportunity to develop a practical solution of their own design to a given problem. In doing this the department introduces pupils to an increasing depth of knowledge of both design and technologically related issues.
Lower School
In the First Year, pupils undertake a materials-based project introducing them to resistant materials and the safe use of both hand and machine tools and an electronics project, where they design and manufacture a 'steady hand game'. CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design & Computer Aided Manufacture) is introduced through the design and manufacture of printed circuit boards for the electronics project, 2D design bookmarks, 3D printed houses and the use of the Internet as a research tool is also covered. Pupils design and make a key ring and are also introduced to the concept of 'Structures' through a number of research assignments and practical projects.
In the Second Year, pupils further develop their material and electronic skills through the design and manufacture of a novelty light project and a mobile 'phone or jewellery box.
Pupils in the Third Year undertake a graphical communication module of work covering both hand-drawing graphic skills and the use of the Techsoft/Autodesk design CAD packages. This leads into the area of rapid prototyping with pupils able to produce highly accurate 2D and 3D models of their designs on the department's laser cutter, 3D printer and casting machines. Further work on electronics is covered where pupils have to design and manufacture an electronic project of their choice. Field trips to investigate different types of renewable and finite sources of energy production are also organised to supplement this work.
Middle School
Design & Technology
Board: AQA
Specialising in Product Design, Electronic Products.
Product Design offers a multi-media approach to design and technology building on the knowledge and skills from the first three years. The course commences with a common core of work including graphical communication techniques, an understanding of the working properties of compliant and resistant materials, CAD/CAM and related industrial manufacturing processes. After this introductory session and the completion of an integrated mini-project, pupils may opt to specialise in either graphics or materials based work for their major project.
Electronic Products will allow pupils to study areas of electronics in greater depth. In the first year of the course pupils will improve their knowledge and skills through a range of practical projects. They will become familiar with materials, components, processes, techniques and industrial practice and will engage in designing and making quality products in quantity. Pupils will also evaluate processes and products and examine the wider effects of electronics on society. They will have the opportunity of incorporating ICT and CAD/CAM into the projects as well as developing their skills in programming PIC chips. After the introductory session, pupils will take on a project of their choice.
Senior School
Design & Technology: Design Engineering
Board: OCR
A Level Design Engineering allows Sixth Form pupils looking to study engineering, design or architecture the opportunity to further broaden their knowledge of design and technology activity. The course builds upon the work covered from either of our GCSE courses and includes work in electronics, pneumatics, microprocessor control, mechanisms, CAD/CAM, the study of materials and their working properties and further development of designing skills.
Design & Technology: Product Design
Board: AQA
A Level Product Design encourages Sixth Form pupils to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. The course builds upon the work covered from either of our GCSE courses and includes working to a brief, concept generation, sketching, model making, testing, study of materials, 3D CAD modelling and rapid prototyping.
Both courses offer a solid grounding for university degree courses of a similar theme as well as the scope to progress on the apprenticeship route into industry.
Co-Curricular
The Design & Technology Department runs a Young Engineers and Jewellery Club open to pupils from all year groups. Members of the club enter a wide range of local and national competitions each year including the Rotary Technology Tournament, the Young Engineers Royal Navy Challenge, the BAE Systems Schools and Colleges' Micromouse Competition and the Young Engineer for Britain Competition.
Sixth Form
Design & Technology
Design Engineering & Product Design
Design and Technology in the Sixth Form is designed to encourage pupils to take a broad view of technology and design, to develop their capability to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.
The course also contains a section on communication methods, as graphics are an integral part of any design and technology work. In any design or technological related discipline it is important that pupils can communicate their thinking clearly and represent their ideas graphically.
A Level Design & Technology: Design Engineering & Product Design courses provide pupils looking towards an engineering-based course in higher education with an exciting, challenging and practically orientated problem-solving course. The course is also a sound choice for pupils considering careers in architecture or one of the many design-related disciplines.
The department is housed in impressive purpose-built accommodation fully equipped for work in both materials and systems & control and includes the latest computer-aided design and manufacturing software and equipment. This allows pupils to model products on the computer prior to manufacture.
The Course
Design Engineering A Level
Unit 1 - Two Written Exams: 1 hour 30 minutes (50% of total A Level marks)
Candidates answer three from a choice of six questions set on further study of the subject content. This paper will test the candidate's in-depth knowledge of the concepts taught throughout the course.
Unit 2 - Coursework: approx 65 hours (50% of total A-level marks)
An electronic portfolio to support the final product. High quality manufactured final product to suit a brief set by a client. A single, substantial design and make project using a combination of materials, systems and components.
A Level Design and Technology combines the best in both creative and practical applications of knowledge. It is the true cross-curricular nature of the subject that draws highly from other subjects and, in turn, contributes so much to the overall education of the candidate, especially in the fields of science, mathematics and art.
Product Design A Level
Unit 1 - Two Written Exams: 1 hour 30 minutes (50% of total A Level marks)
Based primarily on Design and Manufacture and consisting of two sections.
Candidates answer three questions: one question from three in each section, plus a final question from either section.
This paper will test the candidate's in-depth knowledge of the concepts taught throughout the course.
Unit 2 - Coursework: approximately 65 hours (50% of total A Level marks)
An electronic portfolio to support the final product. High quality manufactured final product to suit a brief set by a client. Candidates submit evidence of a substantial designing and making activity using a combination of materials knowledge and manufacturing processes.
Careers
Possible career opportunities after a period of study in both subjects include:
Engineering
Architecture
Electronic Design
Product Design
Electrical Design
Graphic Design
3D Design
Interior Design
Advertising/Marketing
Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Manufacture
Modelling and Visualisation