As part of a recently built PFI School (2000) the Technology and Design Department in Drumglass High School is modern, up to date and well equipped to deliver the programme of study for the subject. All current Health and Safety legislation is an integral part of the make up of the Technology suite which comprises:

·         one systems room

·         two manufacturing rooms

·         one planning room

·         one materials store

·         one systems store

·         one general store

·         one HOD office

There are currently three teaching staff and one technician within the department.

In the belief that Technology and Design is an important basis of modern daily living and work the overall aim of the Technology and Design Department is to promote Design and Technology capability in students through activities which involve a range of contexts, materials and processes

All pupils in Key Stage 3 follow the programme of study specified by the Department of Education with classes timetabled for a block of 3 periods per week each year.

Technology and Design is offered as an option at Key Stage 4 with classes timetabled for 5 periods per week.

All pupils in Key Stage 3 follow the programme of study specified by the Department of Education with classes timetabled for a block of 3 periods per week each year.

Technology and Design is offered as an option at Key Stage 4 with classes timetabled for 5 periods per week.

The content and approach for the activities in Technology and Design are:

Designing

Pupils have the opportunity to explore and develop their own design ideas through investigating, generating and evaluating.

Communicating

Pupils have the opportunity to communicate their design ideas and proposals through a variety of techniques including written, oral, graphical and computer generated.

Energy and Control

Pupils have the opportunity to investigate, appreciate and create energy and control systems which can be incorporated into products. These control systems may use:

a.          Mechanisms

b.          Electronics

c.          Pneumatics

d.          Computer micro-processors

Manufacturing

Pupils are able to participate in manufacturing procedures developing skills and knowledge associated with materials, hand and machine tools, assembly and construction, joining materials and applying finishes to materials

In line with current educational thinking and practice Technology and Design is very much to the fore in developing and promoting:

• Communication skills
• Numerical skills
• ICT skills
• Thinking skills
• Creativity
• Problem solving skills
• Researching and planning skills
• Teamwork
• Organising and planning
• Safe working practices