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Technology

Our Aims

Technology and Design is a subject that develops pupils’ skills and abilities to design, innovate and create products and solutions in an ever-evolving world. It is a STEM subject, which aims to:

Develop pupils as effective and independent learners;
Develop pupils decision-making skills through individual and collaborative working;
Develop skills of creativity and critical analysis through making links between existing solutions, technological knowledge and the principles of good design;
Let pupils make decisions, consider sustainability and combine skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make quality products and/or systems.

Staff

Subject Leader

Mr K Lunn

Teacher

Mrs S Graydon

Teacher

Mrs S McIlwaine

Teacher

Mr P Stretton

Technician

Mr M McCreight

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

All pupils study Technology & Design at Key Stage 3.

In Forms 1, 2 and 3 pupils will have the experience of using a range of different materials, such as acrylic, aluminium, plywood etc. to manufacture individual projects. Pupils will have the opportunity to manufacture 2 different projects each year, as well as completing theory, graphics and computer work related to these projects.
GCSE

Pupils have the option of studying GCSE Technology & Design. The CCEA specification is followed.

Unit 1: Technology and Design, Unit 2: Optional Areas of Study Unit 3: Design and Manufacturing Project - A controlled assessment where students complete a design project comprising a design portfolio and an associated manufacturing task.
AS & A Level

Pupils have the option of studying A-Level Technology & Design if they have studied it at GCSE level. The CCEA specification is followed. Students complete a design project comprising a design portfolio and an associated manufacturing task.

AS Level

AS 1: Compulsory: Design and Materials. Option: Systems and Control - Specialist area of study: Students answer two questions that reflect the area of technology they chose to specialise in from the three options available. Option A: Electronic and Microelectronic Control Systems

AS 2: Coursework: Product Development - Students complete one task, producing a practical outcome with a design folder.

A Level

A2 1 - Systems and Control or Product Design.

A2 2 - Coursework: Product–System Design and Manufacture. Students complete one task, producing a practical outcome with a design folder.

Facilities & Resources

Technology & 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 56 C2kni networked desktop computers with associated peripherals, graphics tablets and printers. A CNC router and two laser cutters are used extensively by all pupils in the manufacture of 2D and 3D components from computer aided drawings. There are two 3D printers; used to manufacture projects from CAD drawings produced by pupils at GCSE and Advanced Level.

Careers and progression routes

Technology and Design is a STEM subject and so provides good support for a wide range of careers, particularly those involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, indeed any occupation in which technology plays a part. The transferable skills are an asset to those pursuing careers in engineering, medical and technical areas.

Anyone studying Technology and Design will develop sophisticated, transferable ICT skills through the use of a very wide range of software, facilitating careers in any area involving ICT. The creative aspects of the course will assist those considering a career in areas such as Product Design.

Studying Technology & Design at A Level provides an opportunity to study a surprisingly diverse range of Further and Higher Education courses. In the past few years, these courses have included: Aerospace, Civil, Electronic, Mechanical, Structural and Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Science, Interior and Environmental Design, Conservation Biology, Medicine, Architecture, Product Design, Computing and Information Technology

Get in touch

Our office is open 8:15am - 4:15pm Monday to Friday.

info@bfsra.belfast.ni.sch.uk