Vision Statement

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Central to the development of this area is the concept of "windows", or "mirrors", on industry. Supporting this concept must be as wide a range of computer driven devices as possible, in a user friendly but appropriate environment which reflects the nature of this curriculum area. There is need to aid students in gathering and recording of research information as it is available. Such information, once gathered, should act as a powerful analysis to guide student’s thoughts when designing and making. When they visit locations such as Beamish Open AirMuseum, local industry or the community they should be able to return with visual images for use back at school in all areas of the curriculum. Modelling must play a vital role in the design process in all kinds of ways. For example, situations can be modelled on a computer screen and then produced in resilient materials, thus being safer and creating less waste. Students should have available to them a range of resources and equipment to enable them to engage in effective design and make activities. Concepts like these, together with the development of our control work linked with local industry, are the way in which "windows" and "mirrors" on industry can become a reality.

CDT MANUFACTURING BASE

The further extension of the computer network recently installed, is essential in bringing design and modelling processes closer to quality prototype manufacture. This must be supported by ‘user friendly’ environments and production methods in tune with modern needs. From hand tools, to enable students to appreciate the properties of materials, through CAD and CAM. We should wish also to further develop areas already started, for example, work in electronics, and, work on the physical environment of the area. Students, on entering the area, should have some sense of a modern clean environment more in keeping with the nature of the subject. We feel it is important to support these changes with an up to date curriculum and accreditation system to enable us to develop flexible attitudes in our students when they leave us at 16. Students should leave us with the knowledge of how to develop their opportunities further, whether through academic or vocational route, being armed with both through courses on offer.

CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY AREA

Central to the development of this area is the increased provision of basic resources for textile and garment manufacture, including sewing and knitting machines with computerised facilities. We would expect also the extension of the provision of IT facilities and inclusion on the nearest network. There is need to provide research collecting equipment, from camcorders to tape recorders. Because of the geographical difficulties within Design & Technology, the need to communicate with other areas of the school, and indeed, the outside world would be met by providing Fax equipment. Greater access to modern ‘technological’ methods of the preparation of food, from developing full meals to part sized sample dishes, is needed in as many varied methods as possible. Part of the teaching area needs to be developed to provide an enclosed area for more combined activities.