Design Technology at Cranbrook School is concerned with introducing the student to the world of Manufacturing. Commercial Design is one of the most prolific growth industries in Europe today and we feel that Product Design and Appreciation should be a vital part of the Education experience.
The work of the Department hinges on the key skills involved with personal motivation to discover individual skills and talents.
The purpose-built Design Technology building houses a large multi-media workshop with a wide range of machines and processes available to the student. A Graphics room complements this arrangement offering a flexible working area, which includes a dedicated ICT suite and an enviable design library.
The Department is staffed by teachers with extensive industrial experience and is well supported by technicians.
Design Technology is a popular subject with most courses being over-subscribed. A tribute to our success is shown in that more than half of the Sixth Form who study DT decide to continue their studies in design-related subjects at University.
The facilities, including CAD/CAM, are under constant development allowing us to offer an ever-broadening experience.
During Year 9, pupils will spend half the year in Design Technology, covering projects in Graphics and Resistant Materials.
Emphasis is on consolidating previous experience and developing design, analytical and practical skills to a level appropriate to the individual.
Design Technology also has a key input into the School's Year 9 Thinking Skills Programme, which includes Environmental Issues, Consumer Matters and Product Analysis.
The Department offers two GCSE options:
Graphic Products - where pupils design and make commercially viable products using graphic media.
Resistant Materials - where pupils design and make commerically viable products from Wood, Metals and Plastics.
Continuing our commercial design philosophy, we offer AS/A2 product design (OCR), which allows students a flexible approach to designing for manufacture. Students quickly get involved with external clients, establishing design needs and use the design process to develop and make innovative products. Students are supported in a wide range of materials, including graphics, textiles, wood, metals and plastics.
A significant number of our Sixth Form DT students continue their studies at University in Product Design, Engineering, Architecture and other design-related areas.
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