Design & Technology prepares its candidates to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing world. They learn to think and intervene creatively, to improve the quality of products, systems and environments. The Department includes a new Design Studio with a PC based ICT resource that is exclusive to its candidates and enables them to enhance the quality of both their design and practical work using CAD / CAM, (Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture).

All Chigwellians from Year 3 to Year 9 study Design and Technology.

The Key Stage 3 syllabus has been developed to offer a wide variety of different activities and design situations. The pupils work with a range of materials and processes to produce products which meet specific objectives. Pupils develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of design & technology with a blend of design, practical and theoretical activities. We aim to provide a varied and stimulating three year course that enables pupils to gain a solid foundation before GCSE entry.

In the Senior School the subject becomes optional from Year 10 onwards.

The GCSE requires pupils to further develop their designing and making skills in the production of high quality, fully functional products and pupils are also encouraged to use ICT extensively in the compilation of their coursework folder.

The OCR GCSE D&T: Resistant Materials course enables pupils to combine practical skill with an understanding of aesthetic, ergonomic, social and environmental issues, technology and industrial practices. They reflect on and evaluate existing products as well as their own design and practical work. Pupils must submit one major project for assessment worth a total of 60% of their final GCSE. To a large extent pupils are encouraged to determine the nature and scope of their coursework.

In the Sixth Form pupils can study OCR D&T: Product Design at AS and A2 levels. Students embarking on AS/A2 courses are normally expected to have achieved at least grade B in their GCSE. However, the most important qualification is to have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for designing and making exciting and creative new products. A high proportion of our A Level students go on to study design related degrees at university.

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