The Design, Technology, and Engineering Department offers a dynamic, challenging, and high-quality experience. The goal is to provide engaging and relevant lessons that inspire students to complete projects to a high standard, emphasising the creation of functional, useful, and aesthetically pleasing products.
Housed in the exceptional Vere Hodge building, the purpose-built complex boasts excellent facilities. Recent enhancements include the acquisition of additional 3D printing machines for industry-standard prototyping and testing and a large CNC router to support manufacturing. These not only facilitate student engagement with project work but also contribute to achieving impressive results. Our commitment extends beyond the classroom to ensure that students appreciate the significance of design, technology, and engineering in their surroundings, emphasising sustainability and aesthetics in the context of industrial design.
Our Novi curriculum accommodates students with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. It offers a broad range of skills and theoretical knowledge predominantly delivered through practical projects, aiming to inspire and engage.
The department offers the CIE Resistant Materials IGCSE, followed by the Eduqas Product Design course at Key Stage 5. Assessment at both stages is balanced with a 50:50 split between non-examined assessment (NEA) and summative examinations.
Strong links with industry include commercial projects with Bose, Sennheiser, Huawei, and Ledlenser. Enrichment opportunities abound, with regular domestic and international trips – including links with the US Savannah College of Art and Design – providing diverse experiences for all students.
Extracurricular activities, including the Robotics Society, Automotive Engineering Club, and Sustainable Design, provide avenues for further exploration and engagement. These initiatives not only equip students with practical skills but also instil a sense of responsibility and mindfulness towards environmental considerations in their design practices.
Links to clubs
Automotive Engineering Club
Focusing on the national Greenpower Formula 24 competition the club focuses on the design and build of an electric powered vehicle. Each year a new team is formed which concentrates on all the details of the car from aerodynamics to powertrain. Once the vehicle has been suitably tested it then competes in the competition against other schools from around the country, getting the opportunity to race around the famous Goodwood circuit.
Robotics Club
The club meets every week where students work on a range of different robotics-based challenges. Challenges include designing, building and testing ‘Antweight’ robots to take part in a Robot Wars style competition, building and racing mini drones and controlling most recently a control task to search and destroy targets!
Sustainable Design
Amidst growing concerns about the environment and the planet’s survival, this activity empowers students to develop a profound understanding of how they can emerge as conscientious and sustainable designers. Emphasising key criteria like the 6 R’s (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Rethink, Refuse, Repair), pupils actively engage with assigned tasks, creating functional and sustainable products in response. This initiative not only equips them with practical skills but also instils a sense of responsibility and mindfulness towards environmental considerations in their design practices.
Head of Department
