Design Technology
Pupils are encouraged to develop problem solving skills in a design and manufacturing environment. They are encouraged to think for themselves and work effectively as individuals and as part of a team. Pupils are introduced to past, present and future technologies and their impact on society and are taught how to develop technological communication skills. From Transitus to SV/SVI we aim to provide quality courses in Technical Education. This involves Craft & Design, Graphic Communication and Product Design. Pupils learn to solve technological problems of increasing complexity, applying design processes creatively and using a wide range of ICT to promote learning.
Transitus
The Transitus course gives the pupils a broad general introduction to the main areas of the Technical curriculum of Craft & Design and Graphic Communication. These courses enable the pupils to gain the knowledge and understanding and to experience a broad range of processes, techniques and skills involved in each area. It introduces pupils to the basic practical skills using tools, machines and material within the workshop and the basic drawing techniques covering scale, grid work, signs and symbols. This year provides the foundation for future work which will be built upon in the years to follow.
SI
Throughout the first year course candidates will expand their knowledge and skills within the Design and Technology department. In the Craft & Design section of the course candidates design and manufacture a CD rack. The project introduces candidates to problem solving and the design process. It allows candidates to design their own solution and manufacture it using a combination of man-made and solid wood. It builds on their knowledge of tools and processes, safety in the workshop and introduces them to new practical skills while reinforcing previously acquired skills. In the Graphics course the pupils build on the knowledge and skills from the previous years and cover logos, grid scaling, sketching and orthographic projection. They will also be given an introduction to computer-aided drawing.
SII
Throughout the second year course candidates will expand their knowledge and skills in both of the subjects within the Design and Technology department.
In the Graphics course they develop board work and computer graphic skills by producing a variety of orthographic and pictorial drawings. They also learn new sketching and rendering techniques to enhance their pictorial drawings.
In the Craft & Design section of the course candidates design and manufacture an innovative clock. The clock project allows candidates to manufacture an item using a combination of plastic, metal and wood. They also build up their knowledge of modern materials and manufacturing processes.
SIII–SIV Standard Grade (Graphic Communication)
During the course pupils will learn and develop the ability to use a range of draughting techniques, computer-aided design, computer-aided graphics and freehand rendering techniques. The course is made up of three assessable elements: Knowledge and Interpretation; Drawing Abilities; and Illustration and Presentation. All three elements have equal weighting in determining the overall grade for Graphic Communication.
SIII-SIV Intermediate 2 (Product Design)
The course offers pupils opportunities to explore the impact of design and technological activity in everyday life. Pupils consider the complete life of a product from its initial conception, through to manufacture and marketing, to its impact on society. Over the two-year course, pupils will develop into creative, flexible learners who are able to work autonomously to achieve good quality, feasible proposals or outcomes through active experiences of product design. At its heart is creativity. The course develops an ability to apply skills and knowledge in different situations – attributes which are becoming more and more valuable to individuals and organisations.
SV/SVI Higher (Graphic Communication)
The structure of the course reflects the use of graphics in business and industry, both in content and methodology, while embracing the changes brought about by the continuing advances in technology. Manual and computer skills and their effective application will be developed through preliminary, production and promotional graphics. Students complete two mandatory units in Technical Graphics and one in Computer Graphics. In addition to satisfactory achievement in the above units, in order to gain the course award in Higher Graphic Communication, all students are required to pass an external examination (70%) and complete a thematic presentation (internally assessed and externally moderated) (30%).
SV/SVI Higher (Product Design)
The structure of the course provides candidates with the opportunity to explore the impact of design and technology activities in everyday life. Candidates will consider the complete life of a product, from its initial conception, through manufacture and marketing, to its impact on society. The course consists of three mandatory units: Product Design; Developing Design Proposals; and Materials and Processes. Students must also complete a Design Assignment for external marking (50%) and an external exam on Design Knowledge and Understanding (50%).
SVI Advanced Higher (Graphic Communication)
The structure of the course provides the candidates with an insight into the way in which information presented graphically is an integral part of communication throughout business and industry as well as the consumer environment. This will be achieved through the knowledge and understanding of the principles of geometric construction, developing spatial thinking and visual literacy which comes with the production of drawings involving the manipulation of lines and planes. This is achieved through the generation of orthographic drawings, 2-point measured perspective drawings, CAD and CAG skills and general visual literacy in an industrial and commercial context.
Students complete three mandatory units in Technical Graphics, Computer-aided 3D Modelling and Computer-aided Graphic Presentation. In addition to satisfactory achievement in the above units, in order to gain the course award the candidate must pass an external exam (40%) plus complete a Computer-aided 3D Modelling Folio (30%) and a Computer-aided Graphic Presentation Folio (30%) on a theme of their choosing. The quality of the folios is internally assessed and externally moderated.
SV/SVI Intermediate 2 (Engineering Skills)
The Engineering Skills course consists of three mandatory units, each of 40 hours, and an assessed project lasting approximately 20-30 hours. The three units are: Bench Skills - Metal; Machine Processes - Metal; and Fabrication and Thermal Joining Techniques.
SV/SVI Intermediate 2 (Woodworking Skills)
The Woodworking Skills course consists of three mandatory units, each of 40 hours, and an assessed project lasting approximately 20-30 hours. The three units are: Bench Skills 1 - Flat Frame construction; Bench Skills 2 - Carcase Construction; and Machining and Finishing.