Technology & Design

“The central focus of Technology and Design is the design and manufacture of products which use energy and control to make them work.” DENI

Technology and Design at Belfast Royal Academy evolved from Electronics which had been introduced as an examination subject in 1981. In 1986 our first candidates were entered for the Ordinary Level Technology Examination and one of these gained first place in Northern Ireland. In 1991 a purpose-built technology suite was opened and permitted the numbers entering for this new subject in the curriculum to expand. There are currently 4 members of teaching staff and a dedicated technician. Numbers opting for the subject continue to increase – currently there are 3 classes at GCSE level, 2 classes at AS Level and 1 class at A2 level. The subject is enjoyed by both boys and girls – there are currently more boys opting for Technology and Design, but the number of girls continues to increase.

Pupils commence practical work in the multi-material workshops from their first lesson. Design skills, orthographic and isometric drawing and the use of Solidworks, an industry standard 3D CAD computer package are amongst the topics to be taught during the first year. During their first year, pupils will also use a wide range of tools and equipment to manufacture 2 projects. The knowledge and skills introduced during the first year are developed and state of the art electronics and computer control techniques are amongst the topics to be covered in later years.

Departmental Aims

to nurture individual creativity, innovation and an enjoyment of the subject
to enable pupils to work safely when using tools equipment and machinery
to enable pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of materials, control systems and processes and to apply them in the design of technological products
to enable pupils to communicate effectively using a range of methods including ICT
to enable pupils to use a wide range of skills in the manipulation of materials, tools and other equipment to manufacture technological products to a high standard

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

All pupils study Technology and Design at Key Stage 3. In addition, the measurement and control component of the KS3 ICT curriculum is taught in the department.

GCSE

Pupils have the option of studying GCSE Technology and Design. The CCEA specification is followed. Coursework accounts for 60% of the course and consists of a product evaluation worth 5%, a computer aided drawing worth 5% and a major project worth 50%. A single examination paper accounts for the remaining 40%. The specialist option studied is Computer Control.

AS/A2

The CCEA specification is followed:

Unit 1: Product design and Systems and Control 50%

Unit 2: Product Development project 50%

Unit 4: Coursework – designing 30%

Unit 5: Coursework – manufacture 30%

Unit 6: Systems and control 40%

Facilities & Resources

Technology and Design is taught in a purpose-built suite comprising two systems rooms, two planning rooms and two multi-material workshops. The workshops are fully equipped with a range of hand tools and equipment including a metal lathe, milling machine, MIG welder and oxyacetylene welding facilities. ICT facilities include 4 interactive whiteboards and 40 C2kni networked desktop computers with associated peripherals including scanners, and monochrome and colour laser printers. A CNC router is used extensively by GCSE and Advanced level pupils in the manufacture of 2D and 3D components from computer aided drawings.

Additional Information

The Electronic and Robotics Club gives pupils the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in this area. A team of sixth form pupils participate in the Sentinus Engineering Education Scheme.

Notable Examination Successes

2008 2004	Shannon Turkington Gary Neill	1st Place in CEA GCSE Technology and Design 2nd Place in CEA GCSE Technology and Design
2003	Charlie Watt	3rd Place in CEA GCSE Technology and Design
1994	Jonathan Chin	1st Place in CEA GCSE Technology and Design
1992	Mark Pinkerton	1st Place in CEA GCSE Technology and Design
1989	Allen Shiels	1st Place in CEA GCSE Technology and Design
1986	Jason Woodward	1st Place in O Level Technology and Design

Awards and Competition Successes

2003	Charlie Watt	Manufacturing Technologies Association TDI Challenge Runner-up
2001	Matthew Moore	NIELB Create-It Runner-up
2001	Matthew Moore	Young Engineer for Britain Regional Final Runner-up
2001	Matthew Moore	Young Electronic Designer Awards Regional Final Winner
1991	Jonathan Beatty	Aer Lingus Young Scientists Industrial Innovation Award
1991	Jonathan Beatty	The Callan Medal from the Irish Branch of The Institute of Electrical Engineers
1991	Peter McMaw	Harland and Wolff Robot Competition Winner
1985	B.R.A.	BP Buildarobot N.I. Regional Winners
1983	B.R.A.	BP Buildarobot N.I. Regional Winners

School News

SPRING CONCERT

23rd Mar 2010

Ulster Hall - 23rd March - 7.30pm

THE ACADEMY THROUGH TO SCHOOLS’ CUP FINAL

17th Mar 2010

16 - 12 win against Wallace High School

HOCKEY NEWS

10th Mar 2010

Shield semi-final win & selections for U15 Area Board Tournament

MUSIC NEWS

9th Mar 2010

Ballymena Music Festival