• Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future

Design & Technology

Creatively shaping today for tomorrow

At Downend, Technology is not only concerned with quality design & realisation; but also the teaching and application of transferable skills, empowering students to respond creatively to enhance the quality of life. Students are encouraged to become autonomous problem solvers, combining practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practice.

 

Design & Technology at Downend


DT_logo

As a faculty we aim to:

  • Provide rigor & progression in learning
  • Celebrate students’ achievements
  • Develop creativity in our students
  • Develop practical skills & competency with a wide range of materials
  • Provide opportunities for individual & team work
  • Provide structured ways for developing skills & understanding
  • Provide consistency across material specialisms
  • Promote desirable projects
  • Work in partnership & collaboration, across the curriculum, with local schools & Industry

As a Technology School at Downend we have been able to invest in modern technology, this is used widely in all areas of the curriculum: raising both the quality and complexity of the work produced. All specialist areas have access to Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture ⁄ Control suites.

In May 2004 Design & Technology moved into brand new purpose built accommodation, part of the 7 million building programme to consolidate the school on to one site.

Design and Technology comprises of a suite of fourteen workshops and teaching rooms:

  • 2 Resistant Materials Workshops
  • 1 Engineering Workshop
  • 1 Electronics ⁄ Systems & Control Workshop
  • 1 CAM/Control suite
  • 2 light Technology Workshop
  • 2 Food Technology Rooms
  • Post 16 Design Base
  • CAD suite
  • 1 Graphics Room
  • 2 Textiles Rooms

These excellent facilities make it an extremely exciting time for Design & Technology at Downend

However the most important asset of any department, in fact any school is the staff. Within Technology we have a specialist team who are experts in their field, with many years of experience in teaching and industry. As a faculty we approach ourselves on being approachable, and professional in supporting students in gaining consistently high results.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 students work though a carousel of projects. Realisation takes place in a wide variety of materials – wood, metal, plastics, card, food, textiles, computer software, electronics – the use of CAD ⁄ CAM is integrated throughout the key stage.

  • Wind Buggies
    Wind_Buggies

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 all six specialist areas of the Design and Technology curriculum are offered. Currently we deliver AQA GCSE Design and Technology specializing in

  • Electronic Products
  • Food Technology
  • Graphic Products
  • Systems and Control
  • Resistant Materials
  • Textile Technology

Vocational – Engineering qualifications are delivered
BTEC Diploma
Diploma – (Level 2)

Post 16

At Post 16 the curriculum is diverse

  • AS ⁄ A2 – Engineering
  • AS ⁄ A2 – Food Technology
  • AS ⁄ A2 – Product Design ⁄ 3D
  • As ⁄ A2 – Product Design ⁄ Textiles

Extra Curricular Activities

The faculty is involved in a wide range of enrichment activities, these include:

  • Innovation awards
  • Education Engineering Scheme
  • Flying Start Challenge
  • Crest award – Bronze, Silver and Gold
  • Green Car Challenge
  • and much, much more...
  • Green Car Challenge
    Green Car Challenge
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