In KS3 we introduce students to different types of materials and different ways to work with them. In each year they will research a given project area and then design and make a fully functioning product which they can take home at the end of the project. During this time students will work with woods, metals, plastics and - as the department is shortly to take delivery of a Hobart 60W LASER cutter – we plan to incorporate CAD/CAM into new projects in the next year!
In KS4 we offer two GCSE subjects through AQA: Graphic Products and Resistant Materials. During these two-year courses students will build on their subject knowledge from Years 7-9 and complete a 45 hour Controlled Assessment Task (previously known as coursework!). A choice of five tasks is given to students and they can choose one to structure their work around. In Graphic Products options could include a CD case/ disc design, pop-up books or an Aztec/ Orient themed stationery pack – products which focus on the aesthetics of a product. In Resistant Materials options could include a desk-top gadget tidy, children’s toy or eco-friendly jewellery – products with a strong focus on function.