The Course provides a broad practical introduction to design and to technology. It provides opportunities for students to gain basic skills in both designing and in communicating design ideas. Within the Design Manufacture units, students explore and amend design ideas through model making, testing and manufacturing.

Within the graphics units, students will create a range of DTP promotional graphics layouts, generate CAD models and create packaging for products.

The course provides opportunities to develop and enhance practical creativity, practical problem solving skills, and an appreciation of safe working practices in a workshop or similar environment.

In S3 students have the opportunity to opt into two courses in Design Technology.

Design Technology

A continuation from S1 and S2, the S3 course provides opportunities for students to gain enhanced skills in design, graphics and manufacturing.  Within the Design Manufacture units, students explore, refine and test design ideas through model making, problem solving and finally through manufacturing their product.

Within the graphics units, students will create a range of DTP promotional graphics layouts, generate CAD models and also learn about key elements and principles in design.

The course as a whole provides opportunities to develop and enhance practical creativity, practical problem solving skills, and an appreciation of safe working practices in a workshop or similar environment.

Practical Craft Skills

The course is practical and experiential in nature. It focuses on the development of practical woodworking and practical metalworking skills. It provides opportunities for students to gain experience using a range of tools, equipment and materials, working with wood, manufactured boards and metals. It allows students to follow a series of activities through to the completion of a finished item.

The course provides opportunities to develop and enhance practical creativity and practical problem-solving skills, and to gain an appreciation of safe working practices in a workshop or similar environment.