Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

This course is an introduction to the world of product design – an industry that increasingly has a greater impact on our daily lives. From the electronic devices with which we interface to the vehicles that transport us, the buildings that protect us, and the systems and products that make our lives safer, healthier, and happier - both now and in the future. The course aims to stimulate students’ creativity through innovation, problem-solving, design, development, and realization. Subject knowledge is not therefore acquired for its own sake, but to aid the process of finding tangible solutions to problems that arise in everyday life in an industrial and commercial context. We simply ask the question: What should we do? Why should we do it? How should we do it? We have an outstanding team of staff delivering the course who, through their specialisms and experiences, bring the correct balance of skill and technological know-how within an inclusive and supportive environment. As a school, we are technology-rich and have an abundance of CAD (Solidworks; Corel Draw; Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop; Boxford Design Tools) and CAM (3D-Printer; CNC lathe; miller; laser-cutter; plotter-cutter) at our disposal. To enhance this we have strong industry and university links which give us access to Waterjet and Abrasivejet cutting as well as CNC routing.