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The Design and Technology Department is conveniently situated in modern, purpose built facilities consisting of a generously proportioned ground floor, multi-media workshop and two upstairs design/drawing areas. The downstairs workshop is well equipped to deal with an increasing number of manufacturing processes using a wide range of different materials, whilst the upstairs facilities allow graphic communication and design-based activities to be implemented at varying levels. A separate design and resource area is available for sixth form students to use, both during their timetabled lessons and study periods.
Design and Technology at Rishworth
Our aim is to establish and maintain a stimulating, supportive and disciplined environment that will promote the development of skills enabling a systematic approach to problems of a technological, graphical or theoretical nature to be applied. We focus on four main skill areas, namely problem solving, graphic communication, manufacturing and technology, that will stimulate and encourage technological development and prepare students for GCSE, and ultimately A Level, study in this subject.
At foundation level, the timetable structure allocates every pupil in Years 7, 8 and 9 one hour per week of Design and Technology with the pupils spending one half of the year learning the practical aspects of design and manufacture in the workshop and the other half concentrating on the graphical techniques necessary to explore and convey ideas.
Having followed this foundation course, students are in a position to continue their studies as a GCSE option
in either Resistant Materials Technology or Graphic Products and eventually to A Level. Our examination results at both examination levels are extremely pleasing and the variety and
quality of coursework produced by students as part of their assessment are quite exemplary.
Outside the classroom
We are very keen to ensure that all students, at every level of study, are in touch with the 'real world' when it comes to design and manufacture. Even the most basic design assignment will require pupils to research and analyse information from external sources.
When examination candidates are working on their final design and make task, the scope for variety is virtually limitless. In certain cases a student might work closely with someone outside the School - a person with a disability for example. This type of extra-curricular liaison is encouraged, if appropriate, and has proved to be rewarding for all parties concerned.
Over the past few years we have built up a number of contacts with manufacturing and design companies that are able to accommodate small groups for visits. Such links have shown to be invaluable, especially to A Level groups enabling students to experience first-hand the scale and variety that industrial design and manufacture encompass.
Other Information.
The Department is always ready to discuss an approach from outside the School by anyone who has a problem which might be solved by a GCSE or A Level student design project. Any offers of industrial visits, presentations or lectures would be very welcome.
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