NEWS FROM GRAMMAR 2015

Design and Technology- 2015
The Design and Technology curriculum has changed dramatically since I attended secondary school in the 1980s.
Once referred to as ‘Manual Arts and Technical Drawing” these courses focused purely on skill accusation,
preparing students for a trade future.
The Design and Technology curriculum has changed
dramatically since I attended secondary school in the
1980s. Once referred to as ‘Manual Arts and Technical
Drawing” these courses focused purely on skill accusation,
preparing students for a trade future.
Although the development of practical skills is still a major
part of what we teach today, our focus is much broader
as we adopt a design based approach to all teaching
areas. No longer do classes all undertake the same ‘set’
project, but rather are challenged, through a design brief,
to consider and develop solutions of their own. They then
manufacture their design and evaluate its effectiveness.
We still have classes which could be making occasional
tables, but the difference is that instead of having twenty
identical tables students are producing unique pieces
which they have designed themselves, to meet their own
individual needs; developing not only practical skills and
knowledge but also design and problem solving skills which
are relevant in such a wide range of professions.
Technology has brought about countless changes to materials,
processes and equipment. Computers have impacted greatly in the
area of design with a wide range of modelling programs available.
However, the introduction of 3D printers has advanced this even
further. Our students are now able to not only virtually model their
ideas but can now print their solutions in ABS plastic, enabling
them to test and evaluate their designs thoroughly. The technology
department now has four 3D printers which have become a key
element of our Computer Aided Design and Engineering courses.
Recently we added further to our technology programmes with the
purchase of a new laser cutter. Once again, driven by computer
software, this machine cuts to a tolerance of 0.01 of a mm and is
able to cut a wide range of materials from wood, plastics, material,
leather, ceramics and glass, enabling our students to be introduced
to the world of Computer Aided Manufacturing. This machine is
already being used in many of our courses including Computer Aided
Design, Technology, Craft and Engineering classes.
We are a society of consumers. Everything from our cars, homes and
everyday items must be designed, manufactured and maintained.
Design and technology subjects are therefore essential in preparing
our children for the future. Whether that be for vocational training
in a wide range of professions to developing life skills and leisure
pursuits which help us maintain our homes or give us satisfaction
and enjoyment. I know the skills and problem solving that this
subject develops has helped me in my life and will help prepare our
children for the future.
Nick Hansson
Head of Technology
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