Design And Technology
Academic > Departments > Design And Technology
Curriculum
In their first year pupils follow a Foundation Course consisting of Resistant Materials Technology, Electronics and Information Systems. All pupils carry out project work using materials, structural design, mechanical systems and electronic circuit design and construction.Thereafter they may opt to continue with GCSE Resistant Material Technology. This course is concerned with the activity of designing and making which is delivered primarily through wood, metal and plastics, but other materials such as textiles, ceramics and glass are not excluded. Students are encouraged to develop their practical abilities and the confidence to design, make and modify products and systems for identified purposes by selecting and using material resources effectively. The course lasts for two years.
The GCSE is assessed through a major design-and-make project of the pupils own choosing (60%) and one terminal examination paper worth 40%.
Beyond GCSE, the department currently offers the new EDEXCEL A level Design and Technology Resistant Materials course as well as the AS Level in the same subject. Assessment of the course takes place at the end of the first and second years. The first year assessment, leading to an AS, consists of one 3 hour written theory paper, this component is worth 25% of the final grade. In addition each student is expected to submit a design and build project which is also worth 25% of the final grade. In the second year the specialist focused area (resistant materials) is studied in more depth and terminates with a written theory paper of one and a half hours duration. In addition students are prepared for a 3 hour design paper which together makes up 25% of the final grade. As in the first year students submit a further design and build project but this is seen as being more advanced and involves the research synthesis, design and full scale manufacture of a complex artefact device or system of their choice. This will contribute 25% towards the final grade for the examination.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The workshops are open from 8:30am - 6:00pm every day for pupils to continue with project work. Boys may also work on projects of their own choosing, experimenting with tools and materials which are new to them.The department runs a Young Engineers Club on Wednesday afternoons and is currently operating national CREST awards in recognition of good design and engineering projects for our most able pupils.
Looking Outwards
The department has close links with the West Kent Business Education Partnership, which exists to promote closer links between local industry and schools. Several of our most recent A level students have taken advantage of industrial visits and mentors.Tonbridgians in the Vth Form may apply for an Arkwright scholarship. This scheme aims to encourage young men and women to consider engineering or design as careers. Successful candidates are awarded £500 over two years to facilitate their learning in the sixth form.
We believe in the importance of giving pupils every opportunity to meet, and experience working with, designers and engineers, to that end we regularly invite practising designers from a variety of disciplines to support project work. This, combined with gallery and exhibition visits, provides valuable contact for our students to develop their own interests.