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Design Technology

In the Design Technology Department, we are excited to open our students’ eyes to the universal importance of design: our subject fosters a critical understanding of the importance of Design Technology in formal education and the wider world.

Students develop their awareness and appreciation of aesthetic, economic, social, environmental and technical factors, both in creating their own work and evaluating the work of others.

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.  Steve Jobs

Prep

Art, Design & Technology: Prep

Course Description

To create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas; to improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials; about great artists, architects and designers today and historically.

Curriculum Overview

Art and design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a special way of understanding and responding to the world and has the potential to solve problems.

What are the unique selling points of studying this subject at St Columba’s College?

To offer a broad and exciting curriculum, opening children’s eyes and minds to the world of art and design and take inspiration from what they see around them engaging with artists and designers.

How are the students assessed?

Ongoing continuous assessment, self assessment, pier on pier critiques.

Home Learning

How can parents/guardians support their child’s learning?

Make sure there are always drawing materials for your child to access and use when they want to. Talk to your child about their drawing. Give children the chance to experiment, visit galleries, look at buildings find the value of art in everyday things and have fun !

Useful Links

Artbuilders, all museums and art galleries have amazing links and resources.

Senior

Design Technology: Senior

Course Description

Design Technology enables students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques.

Curriculum Overview

Pupils take part in active learning- practise by doing
In Ks3 it is mainly make- skill build-H&S-Design and Make a specific context leading to broad range of products
Pupils also learn about Technology in society with study of Designers and successful products

What are the unique selling points of studying this subject at St Columba’s College?

Pupils develop a broad range of skills such as team work and problem solving and working to deadlines skills that employers require.

How are the students assessed?

In form 2,3 and form 4 have end of year assessments and grades provided for projects completed throughout the year. Form 5 and U6 their GSCE and A level is 50% project work and 50% exam.

Home Learning (how frequent, style, etc)

KS3 every two weeks, Form 4 to U6 once a week. All work assessed with feedback(WWW,EBI) provided

How can parents/guardians support their child’s learning?

Discuss how products are successful, visit icon buildings, ask what the problems the pupils are solving in design technology

Useful Links

BBC Bitesize, designtechnology student, youtube, any design drawing technique or manufacturing process

Sixth Form

Product Design: Sixth Form

Why choose Product Design?

Product Design enables students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques.

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.

This qualification focuses on developing practical skills within a particular material area, allowing students to manufacture high quality outcomes. They’ll learn about commercial processes and careers in related industries, as well as developing core transferable skills, such as collaboration and communication.

What will you learn?

This qualifications places greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students will use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice.

Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

In Product Design we apply what we learnt in GCSE Maths, Science and Technology to make real products and understand how design affects our world. – Owen Product Design Student

Entry Requirement

Grade 6 or higher in the Design Technology GCSE. Students that have not studied Design Technology at GCSE and are considering Product Design please discuss with Mr McGinnity.

Exam Board and Syllabus

Product Design – AQA 7552-1

Unit 1: Two exam papers

Paper 1 30 %

Paper 2 20%

Unit 2 Design and Making 50%

Curriculum Subjects

  • Art & Design
  • Biology
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  • Computer Science
  • Design Technology
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Contact Us

St Columba’s College,
King Harry Lane,
St Albans,
Hertfordshire,
AL3 4AW

Transport & Directions

Tel: 01727 855185

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