Department
In Technology and Design, pupils have the opportunity to use their creativity and ingenuity in designing products to meet a wide range of needs.
Pupils engage in design activities where a strong emphasis is placed on graphical communication and presentation skills. They also use tools and equipment to manufacture their solutions using resistant materials (wood, metal and plastic). A key aim of the subject is to encourage an understanding of the increasingly technological world in which we live.
Pupils engage in a number of practical projects and develop fundamental skills in working with tools and machinery.
Emphasis is placed on creativity and graphical communication. Pupils regularly use ICT, including Computer-Aided Design, electronic circuit modelling and control programming.
Pupils study the CCEA Technology and Design specification. Systems and Control technology is studied, with pupils learning about electronic, pneumatic, mechanical and computer control systems. A Controlled Assessment task allows pupils to design a technological product in response to a design theme.
At AS level (CCEA), pupils complete a product development Controlled Assessment as well as studying electronics, design and materials. At A2, the coursework element asks pupils to design and manufacture a product which uses microelectronic control systems. Pupils also study for an exam in this area.
Pupils who study Technology and Design at A-Level go on to study a wide range of courses at university including Electrical/ Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Architecture and Computing. Â
Pupils studying Technology and Design at GCSE and A-Level have been placed amongst the top three candidates in Northern Ireland.Â
Many pupils have experienced success in extra-curricular competitions, including F1 in Schools, the Toyota Technology Challenge and the Forestside Remote Control Grand Prix. In 2018, an A-Level pupil won the Northern Ireland Young Engineer Award for her innovative ‘MultiMaths’ project. This was a product designed to teach primary school maths using a more fun and interactive approach.
As part of the FSL Spacer Invaders Project, A-level students designed and made a lightweight and buoyant capsule to take an FSL flag and two action cameras to over 20km above the Earth’s surface before safely parachuting back down to land in the Irish sea.
