Technology & Design

Technology and Design is principally concerned with 'problem solving' which involves the application of scientific principles. There are three distinct areas of study within the subject - Design, Manufacturing and Technological knowledge.

Design - this is essentially the planning and creative part of the subject which involves learning certain graphic skills. But design is not just drawing, it also involves thinking. There is an old saying 'when a thing is designed right it looks right'.
Manufacturing - this is the purely practical section of the course where the pupils realise what they have designed. They learn various manufacturing techniques from the use of hand tools to the use of sophisticated machines. This part of the course is popular with the pupils.
Technological knowledge - there are numerous areas of study e.g. mechanisms, structures, pneumatics, etc. At St Louis we concentrate on electronics and materials technology although we do cover the basic elements of other areas.

Key Stage 3 Technology & Design

In Years 8, 9, and 10 the subject is taught mainly through project work which encompasses these three areas. The pupils are given a design problem to solve which they will approach in a structured way. They investigate the problem, carry out relevant research, and formulate solutions before finally making and testing the finished item.

GCSE Technology & Design

The CCEA GCSE Technology and Design specification encourages students to be innovative and prepared to take design risks.

Students explore the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries, as well as the importance of high quality technology and design.

Our GCSE Technology and Design specification provides students with a core of knowledge in the following key areas before they choose to specialise in one:

• electronic and microelectronic control systems
• mechanical and pneumatic control systems
• product design.

There are two written exams, each worth 25% of the final mark, and a design and manufacturing project worth 50%. Teachers mark the design project, and we visit centres to carry out moderation.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Science and Technology Area of Learning and the Cross-Curricular Skill of Using ICT.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.

The specification has three units:

• Unit 1: Technology and Design Core Content
• Unit 2: Optional Areas of Study
• Unit 3: Design and Manufacturing Project.