• Head of Department
• Overview of the Department
• Key Stage 3
• GCSE
• A Level
• Links
• Extra Curricular

Other Department Staff

Mr K. Franklin,

Mr. C. Sweeney,

Mr. M. Mc Laughlin

Mr. S. Mc Kevitt (Technician)

All junior classes follow the Northern Ireland Revised Curriculum for Design and Technology at Key Stage 3.

 The Programmes of study (POS) are addressed through project work. Projects in each year are designed to cover specific key elements and skills. These projects increase in complexity to ensure continuity and progression in both designing and making skills.

The primary aim of the department during these formative years is to ensure success for each pupil in the form of a number of quality products produced in each of the three years. In the department good work is expected, and rewarded. Pupils are keen to have their work displayed in the foyer and on classroom walls. Pupil motivation has been further increased by the introduction of the interactive whiteboards. These are used to great effect in the presentation of resources and displaying pupils ongoing progress on screen each lesson. In recent times CAD/CAM has been an integral part of all KS3 Project work.

GCSE Approaching the end of Key Stage 3 pupils and parents meet with teachers to choose subjects for GCSE. As Design and Technology is an optional subject at GCSE a decision is made on whether a pupil has the aptitude and interest to pursue the subject at this level.

Once the decision is made the pupil then embarks on a two-year course (CCEA) Product Design, which builds upon Key Stage 3 foundation skills and knowledge towards greater individual Design and Technology capability and of course good final results.

The current GCSE syllabus is CCEA T&D PRODUCT DESIGN.

In the first year (S1) two Units are undertaken:

Unit 1 Study of product design theory, materials, skills, tools / machines and processes. This theory is examined in late May by a 1hr examination.

Unit 4. Design Assignment. In addition to the theory lessons S1 students follow a graphics course which prepares them to undertake the Design Assignment.

The theme for the assignment is set by CCEA each year. Students produce formal Design Assignment sheets under guidance and submit in May for moderation.

In the second year (S2) Unit 3. Further study of Design and Technology theory with formal 1hr examination in June.

Unit 5. Design and make Resistant materials product.

Themes for the assignment are set by CCEA each year.

Timetabled periods are divided between theory classes and coursework. However it is generally necessary for pupils to work after school to produce work of a high standard. In S2 pupils are largely focused on their individual project work. They closely follow the class 'Coursework Guidance and Record chart' ensuring that all aspects of the design process are properly addressed and that work is of the expected high standard.

The final term is primarily set aside for revision of theory both general and specialist and department facilities are open to all senior pupils and As / A2 level students both during and after school hours. Examples of GCSE coursework and projects is on display in the department foyer and on the College Virtual Learning environment.

The Product Design GCSE serves as a good foundation for those students wishing to study Design and technology at Advanced level (also a Product Design course).

AS and Advanced level

Studying Design and Technology beyond GCSE level provides an opportunity for College students to develop their own creativity, capability and entrepreneurial skills. Past projects undertaken have covered a broad spectrum of technologies and skills from electronics to heavy engineering.

In many cases students have taken on real life design briefs from industrial and agricultural origin, developed and realised very innovative and successful product solutions, many with patent potential. In recent years many College students have achieved regional awards and national recognition for their A level products in the Young Innovators / Young Engineers for Britain competition.

However, although coursework is a challenging and rewarding element of the AS and A2 levels, accounting for 60% of the marks, the theoretical aspects are also important, aiming to give an insight into the technologies and designs which shape our lives.

The current syllabus is Edexcel Design and Technology (Product Design – Resistant materials).

 In the first year AS (Sixth form) two units are studied, which together form the AS level.

 AS Level Unit 1. Portfolio of Creative Skills. (60% AS course / 30% of full A level)

This unit has three components:

• Product Investigation – Students undertake analysis and comparisons of commercial products to investigate their design and manufacture.
• Product Design – Students identify an opportunity to design a product to meet a need or situation.
•  Product Manufacture – Students manufacture and test the product which they have designed.

Unit 1. is the coursework unit for AS level and is internally assessed and externally moderated by Edexcel.

Unit 2. Design and Technology in Practice (40% AS course / 20% of full A level)

 • Materials and Components

• Industrial and Commercial practice

• Quality

• Health and Safety

 Unit 2. is the study of theoretical aspects of Product Design and is assessed in a 1 ½ hour examination.

 A2 Level

To achieve a full A level qualification candidates will study two further units in the second year (Upper Sixth) A2 which have similar weighting to the AS units.

Unit 3. Designing for the Future (40% AS course / 20% of full A level)

• Industrial and Commercial Practice

 • Systems and Control

 • Design in context

• Sustainability

Unit 3. is the study of theoretical aspects of Product Design and is assessed in a 1 ½ hour examination.

Unit4. Commercial Design

Students are required to identify potential or an opportunity to design and manufacture a resistant materials product which will have good commercial viability.

Unit 4. is the coursework unit for A2 level which is internally assessed and externally moderated by Edexcel

Competitions

The College Design and Technology students enter the annual Young Innovators / Young Engineers for Britain competition. In recent years many awards have been achieved for craftsmanship, innovative design, commercial potential with one student winning Young Engineer for Britain. The Rubble Rake – (James Morgan Kilcoo)

Extra Curricular

The department runs an after school 'TECHNOLOGY CLUB' on Tuesday primarily for junior pupils keen to catch up with class work or design and make their own ideas. Many enjoy working independently practicing skills they have learned to make small items of interest. Others prefer to bring things to school for repair or modification. Some just enjoy using the computer facilities to model electronic circuits, produce graphics or word process.

 (Department facilities are also open to all senior GCSE / AS and A2 students Monday to Thursday after school hours).