STAFF
Mr A. Mulholland - Head of Department
Miss P. McKinley
Ms J. Gordon (Technician)
KEY STAGE 3
JUNIOR TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN AT KEY STAGE 3
All junior forms follow the Northern Ireland curriculum for Design and Technology at Key Stage 3.
The Programmes of Study POS are addressed through project work. Projects in each year are designed to cover specific elements of the POS and to ensure continuity and progression in both designing and making skills.
The primary aim of the department during these formative years is to ensure success for each pupil in the form of a number of quality products produced in each of the three years. In the department good work is expected and rewarded.
GCSE
Approaching the end of Key Stage 3 pupils and parents meet with teachers to choose subjects for GCSE. As Design and Technology is an optional subject at GCSE a decision is made on whether a pupil has the aptitude and interest to pursue the subject at this level.
Once the decision is made the pupil then embarks on a two-year course (CCEA), which builds upon Key Stage 3 foundation skills and knowledge towards greater individual Design and Technology capability and of course good final results.
The current CCEA syllabus selected is PRODUCT DESIGN. There are two papers as follows: Paper 1 Coursework 60% Focused task (a.)A Presentation Drawing (5%) Focused task (b.)Product Analysis (5%) Design and make project (50%) Paper 2 Theory and Specialist Option (40%).
In Year 1 (Year 11) pupils cover much of the theory set out in the syllabus and undertake a variety of knowledge and skills based focused tasks.
This year is intended as a thorough preparation for the individual coursework tasks ahead and provides 'hands on' experience of a range of materials, tools and processes (including I.T. / electronics and Solidworks / CAM) which will be necessary when realising their final project design proposals.
In Year 2 (Year 12) Pupils are largely focused on their individual project work. They closely follow the class 'Coursework Guidance and Record chart' ensuring that all aspects of the design process are properly addressed and that work is of the expected high standard.
The final term is primarily set aside for revision of theory and the completion of coursework.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
The department runs an after school 'TECHNOLOGY CLUB' on Tuesday and Thursday primarily for Year 11/12 pupils keen to catch up with class work or design and make their own coursework and projects. Many enjoy working independently practicing skills they have learned to make their final pieces. Some just enjoy using the computer facilities to model electronic circuits, produce graphics or word process. The club is well attended and is a popular extra curricular activity in the college.
USEFUL WEBSITE LINKS
www.data.org.uk - Website of the "Design and Technology Association"
www.howstuffworks.com - Teaches you how everyday objects actually work
www.dtonline.org - Technology information for pupils
www.tep.org.uk - Technology Enhancement Programme
www.youngeng.org - Information on Young Engineers Programme
www.design-council.org.uk - The Design Council
www.salford.ac.uk/d&t-times - Technology times
www.cant.ac.uk/mbd - Computer aided design in schools
www.cat.org.uk - The centre for Alternative Technology
www.duracell.com - Lots of information on batteries
www.engc.org.uk - The Engineering Council
www.iteawww.org - The International Technology Education Association
www.economatics.co.uk - Suppliers of Pneumatic equipment
www.technologylinks.co.uk - Run by a teacher from Cookstown High School
www.museoscienza.org - Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology: very interesting!
