Design and Technology
The Design and Technology Department is housed in a striking building featuring a series of large open-plan workshops with panoramic views over the South Downs and the sea.
These surroundings establish a relaxing yet inspiring space in which to face design challenges. The subject focuses on the created environment around us, how it came to be, how it changes, and what issues humanity will face in the future.
About the Curriculum
The specific area studied is Resistant Materials. At the heart of studies is the process of making, and for a great many pupils this is the most enjoyable aspect of the subject. Throughout the course, at all levels, practical work is embraced and reinforced with theory lessons. One of the central philosophies is that pupils should create useful and enduring contributions to the made world. Projects are designed to be lasting and quality is a core value.
In the Third Form all pupils have one double lesson per week. Pupils arrive at the school from vastly different backgrounds and experiences, so the year is split into a number of modules all designed to build basic skills and improve core knowledge of the subject.
Pupils can choose to continue the subject at GCSE; two courses are available, focusing on either Product Design or Engineering.
Typically 30 to 40 pupils carry on and are split into three or four sets. Quickly the skill levels rise as pupils embark on making a useful table and producing an in-depth product analysis of kitchen goods. This builds the knowledge needed to embark on the major project, a year-long design and make task in which the pupils must identify a design need and create a solution. Pupils follow independent paths, and are welcome to choose sizeable and ambitious challenges. Again, quality and durability are core values, and the final outcome is impressive.
The GCSE course also includes a theory exam which the pupils prepare for through focused weekly theory lessons throughout the Fourth and Fifth Forms.
Enrichment
The Department arranges a number of visits each year; recent trips have included the BMW/MINI factory, the Brunel Degree Show in London, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and other local manufacturing facilities.
A number of varied activities takes place during the year. There are links with Young Enterprise students, who can use the College workshops for manufacturing. The CCF engineering project has been the construction of a motorcycle engine-powered buggy, while a joint project with the Science Department sees the construction of an electric race car for the annual Greenpower races.
