Design & Technology Department

Design and Technology at Windsor is a successful department which is forward thinking in its delivery of both Key Stage 3 and 4. Our aims are to provide opportunities for pupils to

• enjoy turning ideas into reality.
• to strive for successful outcomes.
• be creative and develop thinking skills.
• work independently and develop self esteem.
• to develop attitudes of curiosity, enquiry, initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness.
• to experience a range of different material areas.

We have high expectations of all our students and lead by example. We deliver Design and Technology with a consistent and co-ordinated approach.

Accommodation & Resources

Design Technology is taught in 6 specialist rooms. The two Food Technology rooms are fully equipped and have ICT and printing access. The two Graphic Product studios have 12 networked computers with an excellent range of CAD CAM software with A3 colour printing and a Vinyl cutter.

The 2 Resistant Material workshops offer pupils a wide range of facilities for working in all materials including CAD CAM through the use of a Denford Miller and a Vinyl cutter. All technology rooms have access to a colour laser printing for high quality work. Most DT rooms have access to bookable laptops, which have wireless connections to the school network and the internet, this gives more flexibility in teaching CAD.

Currently two tech rooms have interactive whiteboards with imminent plans to up grade the other rooms.

The school library is a valuable resource housing a good range of books and further access to ICT.

Key Stage 3

The pupils have 2 lessons of 50 minutes each week as a double lesson. Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups of around 25.

The Key Stage is divided into modules and the pupils rotate to experience the different materials areas utilising the specialist staff’s experience and classroom resources.

Key Stage 4

Pupils can currently opt to study Resistant Materials, Graphic Products or Food Technology at GCSE. We deliver the courses via the AQA syllabus. Exam results have been very pleasing showing added value and are above national averages in all areas.

Extra Curriculum

Pupils can enjoy DT activities outside of lessons through a range of clubs, we offer a

• Jewellery club.
• Craft club.
• Technology club.
• Support sessions for GCSE students.
• Food students can work towards bronze, silver and gold DATA awards. Visits are used to enhance their experience and learning.

Staffing

The Design and Technology team consists of 7 teaching staff supported by two technicians. All staff are very supportive and enjoy working together.

Each material area has a curriculum leader who is responsible for running their material area under the direction of the Head of Faculty.

All staff contribute to the planning of courses and the writing of schemes of work. We aim to use our enthusiasm to motivate pupils and high expectations lead to success at all levels.