Design Technology

Our vision is to equip pupils with the design and practical skills to be able to tackle problems of a technological nature in the modern world. We do this primarily through design and make projects starting in S1 and running all the way through to S6.

Pupils are presented with a variety of design briefs and are expected to design solutions to these through sketching and modelling and the use of CAD (computer aided design) software. Once the solution has been planned out pupils manufacture their prototypes in the school workshop using a variety of materials tools and machinery. 

What skills can be developed?

Pupils develop a wide range of skills such as designing, problem solving and creative thinking skills. Planning is a key part of the design process and pupils learn to produce technical and CAD drawings, and to plan the sequence of manufacture for a product. Presentation and display are key skills used to communicate ideas. Practical skills are developed in a range of materials and pupils learn to safely use a variety of tools and machinery during their studies in the department.

Potential careers related to Design Technology

Design and Technology subjects may lead towards careers in Product Design, Engineering, Interior Design, Architecture or production. The practical aspects of the subject may lead towards careers in the building industry, or careers in maintenance or manufacturing.

Broad General Education (BGE)

Courses/units covered

During S1and S2 pupils will develop skills and knowledge in Design and Technology as part of the Broad General Education (BGE). The course is practical in nature with a wide variety of designing and making tasks.

Assessment information

Most assessment are practical in nature and are carried out on an ongoing basis. We assess practical and design folio work. There are short class tests that we conduct in class time to assess knowledge and understanding. Pupils are fully involved in the assessment process and regularly self-assess their work and set targets for improvement.

Senior Phase

Courses/units covered

Design and Manufacture- N4/5

Design and Manufacture provides learners with an introduction to design, materials and manufacture.  Pupils develop skills in designing and communicating design proposals and learn about the properties and uses of materials by making models and prototypes in the workshop. The course is practical and experiential in nature so where possible pupils learn by doing, i.e. design tasks or practical tasks.

Exam information

At National 5 level the course assessment will be in two parts:

The Design Assignment. This is set by the SQA and worth 110 marks. Pupils will apply their design and practical skills in a design and make task. The design section is worth 55 marks and the practical section is worth 45 marks.

Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 80 marks.

Certificate course requirements

Candidates should be working at CfE level 3 for entry to N4 or level4 for entry to N5.

Design and Manufacture – Higher

This course allows learners to explore the multi-faceted world of product design and manufacturing. Creativity is at the heart of this course and its combination with technology makes it exciting and dynamic. This course is a broad-based qualification, suitable for learners with an interest in design and technology generally. It is suitable for learners with a keen general or specific interest in product design and manufacturing.

Exam information

At Higher level the course assessment will be in two parts:

The Design Assignment. This is set by the SQA and worth 90 marks. Pupils will apply their design skills to one of 3 design briefs issued by the SQA.

Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 80 marks.

Certificate course requirements

Candidates should have achieved an N5 pass in Design and Manufacture.

Design and Manufacture- Advanced Higher

This course allows learners to further develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required for the diverse opportunities within the design and manufacturing industries. Creativity is at the heart of this course and its combination with technology makes it exciting and dynamic. This course is a broad-based qualification, suitable for learners with an interest in design and technology generally. It is suitable for learners with a keen general or specific interest in product design and manufacturing.

Exam information

At Advanced Higher level the course assessment will be in two parts:

The Design Assignment. 120 marks. Pupils will research a problem situation of their choice, establish a brief and design and prototype a response to the brief.

Question paper. This is set by the SQA and worth 80 marks.

Certificate course requirements

Candidates should have achieved a pass at Higher Design and Manufacture.

NPA Construction Crafts Skills – N4

This course allows learners to develop practical skills, knowledge and understanding for work within the construction trades. Throughout the course candidates develop an awareness on the employability skills and attitudes needed for the construction industry, for example, good timekeeping, co-operating with others, taking instructions and a positive attitude to learning.

Exam information

Pupils must pass eight units to gain the course award:

  • Employability Skills
  • Half Brick Walling
  • Decorative Painting
  • Site Carpentry and Bench Joinery
  • Plumbing
  • Practical Copper Pipework
  • Carpentry and Joinery Techniques
  • Electrical Installation 

Certificate course requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Practical Woodworking- N4/N5

The National 5 Practical Woodworking course provides a broad introduction to practical woodworking. It is largely workshop-based, combining elements of theory and practical woodworking techniques.

Exam information

Exam- 60 marks

There is a written exam that allows pupils to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of woodwork tools processes and materials.

Practical Activity – 70 marks

Pupils complete a practical project set by the SQA that will allow them to demonstrate the application of practical skills in a range of woodwork processes.

N4

At N4 level, pupils complete three practical units and then complete an added value practical unit to gain the course award.

Certificate course requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course

Extracurricular opportunities

Pupils are welcome to work in the department after school Monday to Thursday in order to complete folio or practical work.

Trips

We occasionally organise trips to local businesses or sites where pupils can observe real life examples of design and manufacture.

Staff Members of the Design Technology Department

Mr P Beards (Principal Teacher)
Mr R Merson
Ms E Hall Technician