Design Technology

Welcome to the Design Technology Department

Design Technology is a core subject for all pupils at Aldro. We broadly follow the National Curriculum. Junior school pupils have a double lesson a week consisting of two 35 minute lessons while the upper school have a triple 35 minute lesson a week alternating with Art on a half term switch rotation.

Design Technology and Art operate out of purpose built attached buildings. The DT area consists of a well equipped workshop with an attached materials store. The Design Studio is fitted with computers, Smart board and TV. This is linked to the workshop.

Teaching is focused on practical problem solving tasks and challenges, most with a scientific input. Pupils are given specific design briefs which are then developed with individual research. We use traditional graphics and Computer Aided Design (CAD), the internet, You Tube, CD’s, videos, the school library and Graphics library as research tools. All projects need designing, making, testing and evaluating. All work uses a multi material problem solving approach using wood, metal and plastics.

During lessons we explore topics such as  robotics, automatons,  hydraulics and pneumatics, solar energy, industrial processes using thermo plastics, control technology , electrics and electronics, mechanics and mechanical movement  to make some fun, challenging and stimulating pieces of work.

The DT Centre is also open for time tabled DT Activities. Boys can develop and expand coursework or create their own projects. Past projects include small dinghies used on the school lake, radio controlled cars, helicopters and boats, furniture including tables, chairs and desks.

Over the years gifted boys have won DT Scholarships at senior schools. More and more senior schools are now doing technology papers for general scholarships.

A quote from a recent Inspection stated “The Design Technology Department is a vibrant, stimulating department, I like what I see very much”.