Design and Technology

Design Technology

Like no other subject, Design Technology (DT) teaches pupils to apply artistic creativity, scientific understanding and practical skill to turn innovative ideas into three-dimensional outcomes. From boats to buildings, cuff links to cabinets, robots to racing cars, pupils are able to pursue their interests and develop the confidence to be original and innovative.

The purpose-built DT centre, Mill, is equipped with a comprehensive range of traditional and high-tech machinery, a graphics studio, an electronics lab and forty computers packed with professional software. During practical sessions our team of highly-skilled Instructors work alongside the teaching staff to provide expert guidance, ensuring pupils have every opportunity to in fulfil their creative potential.

Recent achievements include the selection of two pupils for the final of Young Designers Competition 2010, and two for the Young Engineers National Final 2011. In 2010 seven pupils won prizes at the South East Region Engineering and Science competition, with Hemang Rishi (G) named Young Engineer for the South East for his autonomous vacuum cleaning robot.

For a visual insight into Design Technology at Winchester please view this slideshow (pdf format).

Curriculum

Pupils follow an integrated approach to DT in Junior Part through the design and manufacture of a bedside lamp, learning about design style, aesthetics, materials, manufacturing and electronic systems design. Those who continue with DT to IGCSE complete three short skills-based projects in the third term of Junior Part, and then opt to study one of the following specialist subject areas from the start of Middle Part:

• Graphic Products (Architecture, Transport, and Product Design)

• Resistant Materials (Furniture Design, Craft, Materials and Manufacture)

• Systems & Control (Structural, Mechanical and Electronic Engineering. Computing and Robotics)

The IGCSE course is ultimately assessed through a year-long design-and-make project of the candidate's choosing and two written exams.

A-level courses may be followed in Systems & Control Technology or Product Design, the former being an excellent choice for pupils interested in applying to read Engineering or Computer Science at University, and the latter suited to those applying to read Architecture, Design or Materials Science. The Russell Group (top 20 UK Universities including Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial College) recommend that applicants to Engineering and Materials Science courses study DT alongside Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. For Architecture applicants the Product Design course combines well with History of Art, Mathematics and Physics.

Regular trips enrich the curriculum at all levels. Recently, pupils have visited the MINI Car Production Plant, Design Engine Architects, The Hambledon Furniture shop and Mercedes-Benz of Winchester. Guest speakers have included Ron Ayers, the aerodynamicist responsible for the Bloodhound SSC car aiming to break the world land-speed record.

Extra-curricular Activity

For details of extra-curricular activities in Mill please visit the DT Activities page »