technology & design

In Technology and Design, we aim to fulfil the aims of the national curriculum. “To empower young people to develop their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives, by promoting methodologies that encourage young people to develop the skills to acquire and manage information, to solve problems and make decisions… to help young people make use of the knowledge, and the associated skills, values, and attitudes developed during the process of learning, to inform their lives.”

Key Stage 3

In years 8, 9 and 10 all classes get the opportunity to design and make 2 to 3 projects per year. Through these projects pupils get the opportunity to develop key skills and knowledge of the following areas:  

• Health and Safety 

• Designing 

• Creativity 

• Working with others and independently 

• Managing information and communication 

• Materials 

• Use of hand tools 

• Use of machines 

• Use of ICT

Some of the projects that students can make include:

Year 8:  

• Metal Key Ring

 • Jigsaw- Timber & plastic 

• Steady hand game- Plastic, timber & electronics


Year 9: 

• Cam toy- Timber 

• Clock- Timber, plastic & mechanisms 

• Fuse tester- Timber, plastic & electronics


Year 10: 

• Car model- Metal, plastic & electronics 

• Bird house- Timber


DESIGNING – KS3

 All students will engage in the design process throughout KS3. This will mean researching the problem, producing ideas to solve the problem and finally evaluating their chosen design after the experience of manufacturing it. Students will learn: 

• Identify a problem 

• Design brief 

• Research using various media 

• Specification 

• Range of ideas 

• Development of ideas 

• Presentation drawing – hand drawn and ICT software 

• Evaluation

our team

We have three experienced Technolgy teachers and a dedicated technology technician in our department.


Mr Conor Bryson (HOD)

Mr Micheal Cole 

Mr Gareth Carson (Technician) 

GCSE

BTEC LEVEL 3 Construction and the Built Environment

Occupational Studies

At De La Salle we currently offer the AQA Design and Technology course to our pupils.  The qualification is modern and relevant, so students can learn about contemporary technologies, materials and processes, as well as established practices.  This GCSE places greater emphasis on understanding and applying iterative design processes. Students use their creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.  


Unit 1- Theory based- (50%) 

• Core technical principles

 • Specialist technical principles  

• Designing and making principles  


Unit 2 (NEA): Design and making- (50%)  Practical application of: 

• Core technical principles 

• Specialist technical principles  

• Designing and making principles

Occupational Studies

BTEC LEVEL 3 Construction and the Built Environment

Occupational Studies

The world of work is constantly changing. Today it is uncommon for a person to have only one occupation throughout their working life, so it’s vital that we are able to transfer and adapt our knowledge and skills throughout our careers. To foster these abilities, Occupational Studies allows learners to learn for work, through work and about work, and it provides the potential for this learning to take place in out-of-school contexts. This hands-on approach is ideal for those who prefer to develop their skills in a more practical, occupational environment.


In our department we offer 4 occupational subjects under 2 different strands.   Engineering and Engineering Services 

• Manufacturing Techniques- Hand Fitting- A metal based project. 

• Manufacturing Techniques- Sheet Metal Construction 

• Bench Joinery 

• Carpentry and Joinery  


If a learner successfully completes all tasks related to the strand they have selected, they gain a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification.

BTEC LEVEL 3 Construction and the Built Environment

BTEC LEVEL 3 Construction and the Built Environment

BTEC LEVEL 3 Construction and the Built Environment

At Post 16 we offer BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. The construction industry continues to experience manpower shortages throughout the skills range, and entrants to the industry need to be given every encouragement to develop and enhance their knowledge, skills and potential.


 The BTEC Nationals provide appropriate work-related and motivating programmes of study.  Options include progression on to a further qualification in construction and the built environment, for example a BTEC Higher National qualification in Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Services Engineering, or entry into industry with the possibility of undertaking additional training, possibly leading to the completion of an NVQ and/or an apprenticeship. 


A Level 3 BTEC National   

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment consists of optional units that provide for a combined total of 360 guided learning hours or 60 credits for the completed qualification. Below is a list of some of the units we offer our learners.   


Optional units A

 1- Health, Safety and Welfare in Construction and the Built Environment  

2- Sustainable Construction  

3- Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment  

4- Science and Materials in Construction and the Built Environment   Optional units B 

5- Construction Technology and Design in Construction and Civil Engineering  

6- Building Technology in Construction  

7- Surveying in Construction and Civil Engineering  

8- Construction in Civil Engineering  

9- Building Services Control Systems  

10- Building Services Science