Design and Technology Departmental Vision
Our vision is to empower students to become innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and technologically proficient creators by offering a dynamic and engaging curriculum that blends creativity, critical thinking, and real-world applications.We strive to:
- Inspire Creative Confidence: Cultivate an environment where students feel confident in their ability to design and create, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and self-expression.
- Promote Practical Skills: Provide hands-on experience with a range of traditional and cutting-edge tools, materials, and technologies, ensuring students develop the practical skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century workforce.
- Foster Innovation and Collaboration: Encourage students to explore innovative solutions to real-world problems by fostering teamwork, collaboration, and interdisciplinary learning across science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM).
- Nurture Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Engage students in the design process from concept to creation, developing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through projects that challenge them to identify needs, analyse constraints, and devise creative solutions.
- Embrace Sustainability and Ethics: Promote awareness of sustainability and ethical considerations in design and manufacturing, preparing students to make socially and environmentally responsible choices in their creations.
- Utilize Emerging Technologies: Equip students with the skills to navigate and use emerging technologies such as 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD), ensuring they are prepared for future technological advancements.
- Prepare for Future Careers: Create pathways for students to pursue careers in design, engineering, architecture, and other technical fields by providing exposure to industry standards, vocational opportunities, and mentorship from professionals
Department's Aims and Ethos
Our aims:- Develop Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Encourage students to think critically and creatively to identify problems, analyse needs, and generate innovative design solutions.
- Equip Students with Practical and Technical Skills: Provide hands-on experience with a wide range of materials, tools, and technologies, from traditional crafts to modern digital design techniques.
- Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrate concepts from science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) to give students a holistic understanding of how design intersects with various fields.
- Foster Independent Learning and Collaboration: Encourage students to take initiative, manage their own projects, and work both independently and collaboratively, building skills in teamwork and leadership.
- Prepare Students for Future Careers and Lifelong Learning: Offer students pathways to careers in design, engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and other technical fields by exposing them to industry standards, career opportunities, and further education routes.
- Encourage Ethical and Sustainable Design Thinking: Instil in students a sense of social responsibility, ensuring they consider ethical, environmental, and sustainable practices in their design and production processes.
- Cultivate Resilience and Adaptability: Teach students the importance of iteration, allowing them to learn from mistakes, refine their designs, and adapt to new challenges with resilience and perseverance.
- Promote Innovation and Use of Emerging Technologies: Equip students with the latest technological tools, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and coding software, while encouraging exploration of emerging fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable materials.
Ethos
The ethos of the Design and Technology department is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, innovation, and responsibility:
- Creativity and Innovation: We believe that every student has the potential to be a creator and innovator. Our department nurtures imagination, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking, empowering students to explore their ideas and turn them into reality.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: We are committed to providing an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of background or ability, feel supported and encouraged to pursue their interests in design and technology. We value diverse perspectives and approaches, understanding that different viewpoints enhance creativity and problem-solving.
- Hands-On Learning and Engagement: We embrace practical, project-based learning that engages students in active exploration. Through making, designing, and testing, students learn by doing, developing a deep understanding of materials, processes, and the design cycle.
- Ethical Responsibility: We promote an awareness of the ethical dimensions of design and technology, encouraging students to think about the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of their work. We strive to create thoughtful designers who understand the importance of sustainability, equity, and global responsibility.
- Lifelong Learning and Growth: We aim to inspire a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom. Through our curriculum, we hope to instil in students the skills, mindset, and passion to continuously grow, adapt, and innovate in an ever-changing technological world.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: We value collaboration and believe that great ideas often emerge through teamwork. Our department fosters a culture of respect, mutual support, and shared goals, where students can collaborate effectively while also developing their individual talents.
Health and Safety Policy
Our Health and Safety policy aligns with the school’s guidelines and emphasizes the shared responsibility of staff and students to uphold safety standards at all times. If in doubt, processes should be stopped immediately. All staff and students should understand the risks associated with Design and Technology and act responsibly to safeguard themselves and others.Effective safety management includes four major components:
- Risk Assessment and Planning: Assess and plan for risks before each lesson.
- Routine Organization: Establish routines during and between lessons.
- Control and Maintenance: Implement risk assessments and plan for regular maintenance.
- Monitoring and Review: Continuously monitor and review safety practices.
General Department Policy
Staff guidelines in the Design and Technology Department include:- Restricting unauthorized access to the department.
- Ensuring no student is unsupervised in the department.
- Locking the Technology Centre when not in use.
- Limiting equipment operation to certified staff.
- Maintaining proper discipline at all times.
- Reporting defects in machinery and equipment for immediate attention.
- Ensuring students have permission, training, and supervision for all operations.
- Conducting regular maintenance for all machinery and equipment.
- Reporting any incidents involving injury or accidents.
- Observing good classroom management, such as keeping workspaces uncluttered and exits unobstructed.
Health and Safety: COSHH Policy
Our COSHH policy follows the School’s codes of practice to control hazardous substances. Key principles include clear labelling of substances, providing hazard information, minimizing hazardous materials, and using safer alternatives wherever possible. Hazard cards are available to reinforce safety information, and extraction equipment is maintained to improve air quality.Risk Assessment
Risk assessments are integral to the department’s curriculum and lesson planning. Staff must evaluate potential risks, adhere to codes of practice, and apply appropriate control measures for safe teaching and learning.- Plan lessons with welfare in mind.
- Assess risks for each activity.
- Implement control measures to reduce risk.
- Communicate potential problems to senior staff.
- Ensure access to all risk assessment literature.
