Design and Technology
Pupils are offered a varied and challenging range of projects
covering and combining Food, Textiles, Graphics, Resistant Materials
and Electronics across Key Stage Three. Pupils have two lessons a
week in Design and Technology which allows them to learn and
improve essential key skills.
Projects balance practical skills with new technology, specifically
gaining skills and a working knowledge of CAD/CAM. Pupils learn
to use a range of 2D and 3D modelling and image editing software;
Adobe Photoshop; Adobe Illustrator and Solidworks for example.
Pupils have the opportunity to use traditional skills and high-tech
machines including the Integrated Flat Bed Laser, 3D router, dye-
sublimation printer, CNC sewing machines, vinyl cutter, combination
oven and industrial grill.
Learning outside the classroom is essential and encouraged in
Design and Technology with a range of opportunities for pupils to
become involved. There are a variety of lunch and after school clubs
in STEM, Imagineering, Cookery, Resistant Materials, Graphics and
Textiles.
Lessons provide unique opportunities to enable young people to
analyse products and their impact on society, raising their awareness
and understanding of the technological issues which face citizens
today when making decisions about issues ranging from nuclear
power to biotechnology. Design and Technology gives pupils the
confidence to live, work and contribute in a technological world and
develops young people’s sensitivity to human and environmental
concerns, both locally and globally.
At Arden we aim to allow young people to develop as independent
thinkers, planners, inventors and communicators – all essential for
the future.
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