Design, Technology and Engineering

 

The Technology department is made up of six teaching staff, all of whom are specialists in their subject area, and are ably supported by our technicians. These are:

• Miss Martin – Head of Department and teacher of Design…Engineer…Construct! (DEC)
• Mr Morgan - teacher of Junior Years Technology
• Mr O’Brien – teacher of Engineering 
• Mr Richmond– teacher of GCSE and A-Level Design Technology
• Mrs Murphy  - teacher of Home Cooking Skills

• Mrs Lemon – Cooking Technician
• Mr Feltwell – Engineering and Technology Technician

All the staff bring a diverse range of skills and experience to the department which allows us to offer a wide variety of courses. These include: A-Level Product Design, GCSE Design & Technology, TQUK Design…Engineer…Construct! (equivalent to GCSE), BTEC Level 2 Engineering and BTEC Home Cooking Skills. 

 

Our Ethos

As a department, we are lucky enough to have the time and resources to allow the students to explore the subject independently, to expand and realise their ideas, make mistakes and learn from them. We feel that this process is vital to best prepare students for their future education and careers. 

More House recognises that a focus on Design Technology-related subjects is a must in the 21st century education system. We feel it is critical to deliver our Design Technology curriculum in a way that ensures students’ potential is realised, and they are fully equipped to enter any of the rapidly expanding Design Technology pathways of their choosing.  

 

The Junior and Middle Years (Years 4-8)

Our students have lessons in the workshop from the start of their time at More House. They get experience of basic skills and learn the core knowledge needed for our subjects. We utilise booklets to support with written work and record the amazing products they make. Learning is built upon practical projects which encourage students to research, design, develop, make and evaluate their own work.

We have a range of projects that explore different materials such as Timber Flexi Friends (Y4/5), Vacuum-formed Action Bugs (Y6), Metal Candle Holders (Y7) and Acrylic Memphis Clocks (Y8).

Students will also get to explore CAD (computer-aided design) through programs like TinkerCAD and 2D Design.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils also have cookery lessons.  Here they learn about healthy diets and where their food comes from.  They learn basic cooking skills and have practical lessons exploring how to make a range of sweet and savoury dishes.  Many of our students are so inspired by these lessons, they start cooking at home! We love hearing about the dishes they make for their families and how they share their new love of cooking.

Pupils in the Juniors and Middle Years get to build their self-esteem and confidence, explore their natural creativity, and demonstrate practical problem solving.

 

The Senior Years (Years 9-11)

In Year 9, our pupils choose specific subject areas to study for a year before choosing which subjects to continue at exam level during Years 10 and 11. The options within the Technology department are:

 

Level 1/2 BTEC First Award in Engineering (Pearson)

The Level 1/2 BTEC First Award in Engineering is a vocational and academic qualification that gives our students the opportunity to gain specific knowledge and understanding in practical engineering skills and the engineering world around us. 

 

The course encourages a broad understanding and knowledge of the engineering sector whilst developing academic, communication and practical skills (e.g., welding, milling, using the lathes and hand techniques). It also helps develop skills in English and Mathematics that relate to workplace scenarios. 

 

GCSE Design Technology (WJEC Educas)

GCSE Design Technology is an academic qualification which explores materials and the design process. Students develop their practical skills and gain more independence in the workshop, designing their own products and turning them into working prototypes. Students learn about the iterative design process and learn how to develop an idea and solve problems as they go.  We love to see students transform their ideas into real world product solutions.  Students will also learn about manufacturing processes and industry.

 

 

Level 2 Design…Engineer…Construct! (TQUK)
Computer-aided design in the digital built environment

‘Design…Engineer…Construct!’ (DEC) is a fantastic, innovative course which gives students experience and insight into architecture and construction industries. Created by Class of Your Own, More House was the first special education school to offer this programme. DEC students get access to industry-standard modelling software as they go through the process of researching, designing and planning their own buildings.  Many of our students have been inspired by the DEC course and have gone on to further study at university or apprenticeships, including Architecture.

As part of DEC, we are partnered with Hoare Lea, an award winning engineering consultancy. Through this partnership, students meet industry professionals and learn about the skills they need to thrive post education.  In October 2024, our Year 9 DEC students spent the day with professionals from Hoare Lea designing eco-classrooms.

 

 

The Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13)

Many students choose to stay at More House to continue their post-16 education. In the Sixth Form, pupils have access to the workshops for independent work and can study the following courses:

 

A-Level Product Design (WJEC Educas)

Product Design is an excellent course for students wishing to develop their making skills and knowledge of the design world.  They get to identify and solve real problems by making products or systems. This course allows for students to follow their own interests and hobbies.  We’ve had boys create a DJ deck stand, an off-road dog crate and a bicycle trailer!

Studying A-Level Product Design is an excellent stepping stone to other creative subjects and Engineering at university.

 

BTEC Home Cooking Skills 

This course is based on the proposition that being able to cook is an essential life skill which empowers students to make changes that have benefits to health and wellbeing. Pupils begin by learning about the main food groups that together provide a healthy, balanced diet.  They are then introduced to a range of simple dishes and learn different food preparation and cooking techniques. As they develop, they will learn how to cook more complex dishes safely and hygienically, and consider the factors that affect food choice, seasonality and food availability. We aim to give pupils the skills and confidence to enjoy cooking at home, to continue cooking for themselves and their families, and to inspire others. 

 

Level 3 Design…Engineer…Construct!  (TQUK)

This course builds on from Level 2 DEC. Students develop their own design brief and project based on a new community-led building.  We’ve had students design train stations, airports, community housing and gyms! Pupils gain greater understanding of the design, development and construction processes. This course is an excellent introduction for Architecture and Architecture Technology at University.