Design and Technology

Plymstock Design and Technology Department

The Design and Technology Department is committed to providing excellent teaching and learning to ensure that all students achieve their potential at all levels.  We offer a broad range of subject specialisms which include Food Preparation & Nutrition, Hospitality & Catering, Construction & the Built Environment and Design & Technology qualifications.  Alongside the main focus areas students are taught to appreciate moral, cultural, economic and environmental issues.

The department comprises of two full-time and two part-time subject specialist teachers supported by two technicians.  This ensures that students get a variety of teaching styles and approaches as well as subject specialists.  All staff teach KS3, with KS4 being taught by experienced, subject-specific staff for the full 2 years of the courses.  Students are also well supported in the department by many Teaching Assistants.  All of the classrooms and workshops are well equipped and spacious to accommodate the classes and ensure that there is access for all.

The Design and Technology Department comprises three multi-media workshops, two kitchens and a CAD/CAM room.  All of the rooms are well resourced and equipped to teach Design & Technology in the 21st century, including interactive white boards and projectors.  We have a CNC lathe, a CNC milling machine, two laser cutters, 3-D printers, vinyl cutters, computerised sewing machines, embellishers and overlockers.

Design & Technology is taught to every student at Key Stage 3.  They experience a range of projects which are taught through a variety of both short and extended tasks, involving problem solving and focused practical tasks.  They are exposed to a wide range of materials and processes from which they can then develop their skills and knowledge into becoming accomplished designers.  By the end of KS3 students will have developed skills in all focus areas and will be able to select an appropriate course for KS4.

At Key Stage 4 we offer GCSE Food Preparation & Nutrition, Level 1/2 Hospitality & Catering, BTEC Construction & the Built Environment and GCSE Design & Technology qualifications.  The students undertake a series of projects which extend their knowledge and understanding whilst at the same time developing their practical skills further.  The GCSE courses involve a substantial amount of coursework, a non-exam assessment, and students complete this during the second year of study.

Students who wish to extend their interest in design or even seek a career related to design can study A Level Product Design at a WeST school.  This is a broad based subject which extends students’ skills further from KS4 and can lead them into a variety of different careers, including architecture, design & engineering.  We have had students go on to study design-based courses at university, including Product Design, as well as following careers in Catering and pursuing apprenticeships and training at DML and Princess Yachts.

The department is a creative and safe environment where students are supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.  We believe in a hands-on approach and that students should learn through doing.  Students will learn an important array of life skills as well as having fun in the classroom.

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