11-16 Years
The UK is a world leader in areas of manufacturing, product design and technological advancements. Gloucestershire itself is home to innovation and industry led engineering developments. This is why at King’s we are passionate about working with pupils to develop skills that provide them with an awareness, understanding and capability in the technological world. As well as theoretical problem solving, pupils have an opportunity to realise a practical solution to the tasks presented to them.
The focus of D&T is aimed at pupil enjoyment through inspirational teaching and by doing exciting and creative projects. Pupils are encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively. The pupils gain thorough knowledge and understanding of design and technology not only by theory work and practical experience, but by reflecting and evaluating their work and the work of others. They are encouraged always to produce work of quality; work that they can be proud of!
In the lower years of senior school, pupils develop their key skills in this subject by completing exciting projects such as a mechatronics car, photo phone-holder or even automata. This enables them to gain knowledge and understanding of the design process; materials, tools, equipment and industrial processes. Skills which, even if they do not go further in this subject, should hopefully mean they have a knowledge they can use when they become more independent with their lives.
At GCSE level the emphasis is on further knowledge and understanding being gained through new and more sophisticated design and make activities. These are themselves based around the more traditional key areas of wood, metal and plastic but also on design responsibility, eco design and new and smart materials. We help structure project work for final examination but encourage independence, creativity and innovation.
The practical learning is supplemented by extra-curricular workshops, visits to local industries and even the opportunity to support the teaching staff in designing and making products for the school itself. The department promotes an open- house ethos that is always lively and bustling with activity.
Take a look at the Art and Design & Technology Exhibition for 2012. This video was produced by two Lower Sixth pupils.