At virtually any point in our lives, we are interacting with designed products, often without even being aware. The future of the design and manufacturing industry is in the hands of our youngsters, and as such we feel it very important that students are allowed to be creative and develop a strong knowledge of materials and practical processes. We are very much a ‘hands-on’ department and believe that exposure to practical tasks is vital in understanding the theory behind the subject, as well as making the Design Technology memorable and fun. We are fortunate to have four well-equipped multimedia workshops, two computer suites, and modern CAD/CAM equipment, including laser cutting and 3D printing. Design Technology is a marriage of problem-solving, creativity, and practical skills. Lessons comprise a mixture of the learning of subject knowledge, creating ideas, and manufacturing the outcome. Products are evaluated during and after production to allow students to consider strengths/weaknesses and improvements. The course follows a similar pattern to the GCSE but to a much greater depth. Year 12 carries out tasks and project work that grows their subject knowledge and prepares them for the two written exams at the end of Year 13. These account for half of the final grade. Mini projects help to maintain a hands-on approach, gaining experience in practical processes whilst considering problems and improving existing products. In Year 13 students have an open brief to produce a major project of some depth. Once a problem has been identified students carry out research, analysis, and investigation. They then start to explore ideas using an iterative approach involving ongoing modeling and investigation. When the development phase is complete, the stages of production are finalized and the prototype is manufactured using a range of skills. Students are expected to demonstrate an independent and motivated approach and produce a high-quality artifact. The course is potentially an excellent route into a creative subject at degree level, a route which many of our past students have very successfully followed in years gone by.
Five GCSEs at Grade 5 and above including English and/or Mathematics Grade 6 or above in GCSE Design Technology. In exceptional cases for students who have not taken GCSE DT, yet have a very strong portfolio, we would consider their application at interview.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Cornwall |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Valley Road, Bude, EX23 8DQ |
At virtually any point in our lives, we are interacting with designed products, often without even being aware. The future of the design and manufacturing industry is in the hands of our youngsters, and as such we feel it very important that students are allowed to be creative and develop a strong knowledge of materials and practical processes. We are very much a ‘hands-on’ department and believe that exposure to practical tasks is vital in understanding the theory behind the subject, as well as making the Design Technology memorable and fun. We are fortunate to have four well-equipped multimedia workshops, two computer suites, and modern CAD/CAM equipment, including laser cutting and 3D printing. Design Technology is a marriage of problem-solving, creativity, and practical skills. Lessons comprise a mixture of the learning of subject knowledge, creating ideas, and manufacturing the outcome. Products are evaluated during and after production to allow students to consider strengths/weaknesses and improvements. The course follows a similar pattern to the GCSE but to a much greater depth. Year 12 carries out tasks and project work that grows their subject knowledge and prepares them for the two written exams at the end of Year 13. These account for half of the final grade. Mini projects help to maintain a hands-on approach, gaining experience in practical processes whilst considering problems and improving existing products. In Year 13 students have an open brief to produce a major project of some depth. Once a problem has been identified students carry out research, analysis, and investigation. They then start to explore ideas using an iterative approach involving ongoing modeling and investigation. When the development phase is complete, the stages of production are finalized and the prototype is manufactured using a range of skills. Students are expected to demonstrate an independent and motivated approach and produce a high-quality artifact. The course is potentially an excellent route into a creative subject at degree level, a route which many of our past students have very successfully followed in years gone by.
Five GCSEs at Grade 5 and above including English and/or Mathematics Grade 6 or above in GCSE Design Technology. In exceptional cases for students who have not taken GCSE DT, yet have a very strong portfolio, we would consider their application at interview.