Design Technology

Design Technology (DT) is a core subject for all pupils at Aldro.

We aim to show our pupils a flavour of the many strands of DT through a series of 'design and make' projects, which follow the National Curriculum guidelines. This is achieved by producing a wide range of functional products all with a specific purpose. Our ultimate goal is to equip our pupils with subject knowledge and practical skills using a wide range of materials, tools and processes so they can confidently embark upon GCSE's in this subject area at their future schools.

We are fortunate to have a design studio which is equipped with computers that allow for digital portfolios in the senior years and CAD/CAM from Form 4. Adjacent to this we have a well-resourced resistant materials workshop with a wide range of hand tools and machinery for all pupils to use.

The DT curriculum is delivered through a series of assignments, each following a structured design process. Our projects all start with a given context or need, and pupils consider the design brief for their client, write specifications, research, analyse, design, develop, plan, manufacture, record, test and evaluate across the spectrum of DT specialisms.

In their time here the pupils have the opportunity to work with a range of woods, metals, plastics, card, textiles, CAD/CAM and electronics. In addition to the useable practical outcomes, every pupil develops their own design portfolio which showcases the progress through each project. This is invaluable in preparing them for the requirements of GCSE coursework in the future.

 

Outside of curriculum time pupils can opt to do an enrichment in the DT area and lots of different activities have been run over the past few years including; seasonal crafts, 3D printing, cookery, Sketch Up, STEM construction kits and cushion making to name but a few.

Finally to encourage greater independent learning to all, the Head of DT runs various design challenges throughout the year where pupils can work towards earning a DT badge in recognition of participation in 3 different projects. Examples of these activities are; Lego Masters, Snow Structures, World Book Day Dream Jars and Reading Caves, Great Aldro Bake Off, Pallet Challenge, Christmas Door Challenge, Cookery Challenge, Aldro-bots, Up-cycle Challenge, Conker Catapult, Outdoor Building Challenge and showcasing of any independent design projects that a pupil wishes to undertake.

We also run a scholarship programme for those pupils who are keen to develop their understanding of DT independently outside of curriculum time. In recent years several of our pupils have worked towards scholarships and awards to senior schools in this field at schools such as Charterhouse, Radley and Cranleigh. For general interviews and other scholarships, the work carried out in DT has often been used as an added extra; a great ice breaker and fantastic conversation topic during interviews.