Technical Arts
The Technical Arts department has two subjects. Resistant Materials and Graphic Products, previously known as the Design & Technology Department.
What does the Resistant Materials course involve?
This course is intended for students who have chosen to specialize in designing and making in one or more of the following materials: Plastics Wood and Metal.
Students will need to focus on the practical aspects of industrial practices, systems and control, together with an associated knowledge and understanding of materials and components, consumer preferences, health and safety, Cad Cam and aesthetics.
What does the Graphic Products course involve?
This course is intended for students who have chosen to specialize in designing and making with graphic products. Students will design and make in two and three dimensions using various ICT software packages and modelling materials such as plasticine, foam, cardboard and wood. The students should also have good hand drawing ability, as well as a good knowledge of ICT as they would need to present ideas and information with skill and accuracy.
How are marks awarded?
- Coursework [60% weighting] One portfolio, which includes a Design Folder for one Topic [40%] And a Practical Outcome for that Topic [20%]
- Terminal Examination [40% weighting] A written examination which has two tiers of entry, Higher and Foundation [11/2 hours]
KS3 Resistant Materials
In year 7 Students are introduced to Resistant Materials by designing and making useful products such as Cooking Spatula's and car windscreen scrapers. These projects are designed to help the students become accustomed to using various tools used in the workshop and is ideal grounding for the following years.
In year 8 students expand their skills by creating a model Playarea. This project is very popular amongst students and is both enjoyable and helps them build on specific knowledge.
In year 9 students have the opportunity to increase their designing and making skills and knowledge base by creating wooden toys. Again it helps students create usable products out of wood and plastic.
GCSE Resistant Materials
In year 10 and 11 students have the opportunity to use the skills gained at KS3 to work on their GCSE design and make project. Most students produce work which is both beneficial and useful in everyday life such as Clocks and Storage products.
KS3 Graphic Products
In year 7 Students are introduced to graphics by designing and making Drink Cartons. They learn how to improve both their hand and ICT designing skills. The students also produce a realistic finished prototype.
In year 8 students have the opportunity to design and make using state of the art designing software. The students design promotional items for a Sports brand.
In year 9 students have the opportunity to design and make realistic and usable products such as Game/Film covers and Mouse mats. Again students become competent in using industry based software and are able to produce professionally designed and made products.
GCSE Graphic Products
In year 10 and 11 students have the opportunity to use the skills gained to work on their GCSE design and make project. Most students are able to produce excellent coursework by using industry based software in both 2 and 3-D.
