Design and Technology

'Design, in its broadest sense, is the enabler of the digital era -- it's a process that creates order out of chaos, that renders technology usable to business. Design means being good, not just looking good.'  Clement Mok

The Design and Technology Department is a dynamic, forward-thinking Department, with specialist teachers in Graphic Products, Resistant Materials, and Systems and Control. Students receive a balanced curriculum covering all aspects of Design and Technology. As part of the School's recent £4million pound development, the Design and Technology Department acquired two purpose-built IT rooms (see the School's interactive map). The Department has invested in a variety of Design and Technology software, as well as several IT-controlled manufacturing machines.

Detailed below is a small summary of the work that we do at all Key Stages. To get an overview of the work done in each year for Key Stages 3 and 4, please take a look at our downloads page.

Key Stage 3
Design and Technology is taught by specialist teachers in the following areas:

Graphic Products 
Resistant Materials
Systems and Control
 
Students complete Design and Make projects throughout the Key Stage. They receive regular feedback and progress reports, as well as detailed homework assignments.

Key Stage 4
Students at William Ellis have an option to study GCSE Design and Technology. As in Key Stage 3, our schemes of work are organised to allow progressions, support and skills development. All students are entered for AQA Design and Technology in one of our specialist areas of study (Graphic Products, Resistant Materials, Systems and Control).The syllabus can be obtained from our downloads page.

Key Stage 5
Students follow the AQA Product Design course at both AS and A2 Level. This course prepares students who have aspirations in following a 3D design-related course at Degree level. Students study Materials and Manufacturing processes in detail, and produce products of high quality. Examples of coursework and the syllabus can be obtained from our downloads page.