Technology & Design


Aim of Subject

Technology and Design provides students with opportunities to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills using a variety of materials which prepares them for the rapidly changing world. Students participate in tasks that help to develop their skills to think, plan, produce ideas and manufacture products to meet human needs and evaluate them. Technology and Design requires students to use a variety of materials, components and processes developing knowledge and skills in problem solving activities.  Technology offers students a range of opportunities to manufacture products in a safe working environment and to produce practical projects to a high manufactured standard.  The subject is part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and our school is proud to have won Northern Ireland STEM Secondary School of the Year 2018.

Department Staff

Mrs Alana McCrudden (Head of Department)

Mr Gordon White

The KS3 curriculum is delivered through key projects in each year, these are;

Year 8 – Health and Safety, Desk Tidy, CAD Solidworks, 3D printing Lego Block, USB lamp and Windmill project.

Year 9 – Health and Safety, Paper Dispenser, CAD Solidworks, CAM Laser Cutter, Sweet Dispenser, Graphics unit and Upcycled project.

Year 10 – Health and Safety, Clock project, Plant Stand, CAD Solidworks, Graphics and an Electronics project.

BTEC First Level 2 Engineering Award

BTEC First Engineering qualification will provide students the opportunity to gain specific knowledge and understanding in engineering and will help develop student’s skills for employment or further study.

Within the BTEC course students will be assessed in two different ways. For two of the units the teacher will set assignments for the students to complete, these will take the form of projects and controlled assessment.  Unit 1 of the BTEC course will be assessed using an onscreen test.

Occupational Studies – Construction

The world of work is constantly changing. Today it is uncommon for a person to have only one occupation throughout their working life, so it’s vital that we are able to transfer and adapt our knowledge and skills throughout our careers.

To foster these abilities, Occupational Studies allows learners to learn for work, through work and about work, and it provides the potential for this learning to take place in out-of-school contexts. This hands-on approach is ideal for those who prefer to develop their skills in a more practical, occupational environment.

Occupational Studies is both coherent and flexible and provides a good foundation from which to advance to competence-based post-16 courses.

Unit 1 – Bench Joinery

Unit 2 – Carpentry and Joinery

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering

Engineering is a well-respected profession. It’s well paid, and with skills in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) in short supply, there are plenty of job opportunities on offer. Many of these jobs will involve international travel, high level business negotiations, and call for considerable leadership skills.

During the next two years, students will complete a range of unit based assignments, chosen to maximise their opportunities at higher and further education or in the workplace.

Another important element of the teaching and learning experience is the provision of industrial visits. These visits will provide students with invaluable first-hand knowledge and experiences that will assist them in the research and completion of various assignments.

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma involves the delivery of six units over approximately two years. Each unit is worth 10 credits – 60 credits in total. The final qualification is equivalent to one A-Level.

THERE ARE NO FINAL EXAMINATIONS – ONLY COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENT OUTCOMES ARE USED TO CALCULATE FINAL RESULTS.

At least three units will be delivered per year. The number, duration and complexity of unit assignments will vary from unit to unit.

Nine thirty-five-minute Teaching and Learning periods are available per week; this translates into three periods per unit per week.

Year One

Unit 1 – Health and Safety in the Engineering Workplace

Unit 4 – Mathematics for the Engineering Technician

Unit 6 – Electrical and Electronic Principles

Year Two

Unit 12 – Applications of mechanical systems in engineering

Unit 16 – Engineering Drawings for Technicians

Unit 35 – Principles and Applications of Electronic Devices and Circuits

STEM through Technology & Design

Students also have the opportunity to participate in STEM and Technology events which the Technology department run. Below are some of the events and clubs which students have the opportunity to get involved in outside of the school curriculum;

W5 Lego League, Talent 2030 competition, CAD/CAM After School Club, STEM Big Bang event, Army Careers STEM event, I’m Happy Robotics workshop, STEM Bus, Technology & Design lunch time club, Rocket Challenge, Numeracy school event and Engineering educational visits to local engineering companies.