"A Scientist discovers that which exists. An engineer creates that which never was."
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/ TECHNOLOGY IN ST. MALACHY'S
The Technology & Design Department are committed to planning, developing and delivering a programme which provides students with the broadest possible range of opportunities. At the heart of this is the desire to deliver a curriculum which has creativity at its core. Students are engaged in the analysis and solving of real problems leading to the production of high quality outcomes. This is achieved through imaginative teaching and learning, that embraces new technologies, whilst retaining the best of traditional practices.
Above all we aim to encourage a creative and innovative atmosphere, which allows students to take risks and experiment in a safe and positive environment, all of which is underpinned by secure knowledge and understanding.
Mr H McAllister (Head of Department)
Mr S O’Neill
Miss R Finn
/ PRACTICAL WORK GUIDELINES
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Watch all demonstrations carefully and ask sensible questions during and after the demonstration is complete
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Measure twice and cut once
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Take your time, but don’t dwell too long on one task as time passes so fast when you are in the workshop
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If in doubt, ASK THE TEACHER!!!!
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If you fail to complete your work because you were absent, then arrange with the teacher to come in after school to catch up
/ CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Since technology includes skills in design and communication as well as understanding and using technology it is useful in many career areas, including architecture, engineering, manufacture, automotive and building industries, communications, etc.
Students studying Technology and Design have continued their studies at University in many areas including Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Surveying, Architecture, Estate Management, Technology & Design and Product Design.
/ ACHIEVING GOOD RESULTS
Written Homework
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Firstly make sure that you have the homework done
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Make sure that you have at least attempted each question
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Leave no blank spaces
Design Homework
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Always use a ruler to draw straight lines
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Always colour your designs
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Always add notes and label your design
The aims of any Department must compliment and harmonise with the mission statement of the school. The statement gives clear parameters for the Technology Department. Our long term aim is to produce a thinking, adaptable adult capable of taking his place in a changing society. We strive to create a distinctive and dynamic partnership between pupils and staff in the Department through our level of care, concern and professionalism.
The Technology curriculum seeks to promote an educational culture which is scientific, technological and vocational within the Catholic Christian framework of the school. In addition, this Department aims to provide the excellent practical technological, scientific and communication skills needed by our manufacturing and service industries. Thus ensuring that our pupils will be well-educated and technologically skilled, ready and able to progress into employment, further training or higher education according to their individual aptitudes and ambitions. The Departments general aims are:
To foster awareness, understanding and expertise in those areas of creative thinking which can be expressed and developed through investigation and research, planning, designing, making and evaluating, working with materials and tools.
To encourage the acquisition of a body of knowledge applicable to solving practical / technological problems operating through processes of analysis, synthesis and realisation.
To stimulate the development of a range of communication skills which are central to design, making and evaluation.
To stimulate the development of a range of designing and making skills.
To encourage students to relate their work to their personal interests and abilities. This should demand active and experimental learning based upon the use of materials in practical areas.
To promote the development of curiosity, enquiry, initiative, ingenuity, resourcefulness and discrimination.
To encourage technological awareness, foster attitudes of co-operation and social responsibility, and develop abilities to enhance the quality of the environment.
To stimulate the exercising of valued judgements of an aesthetic, technical, economic and moral nature.
We aim:
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To enable students to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding, in order to design, make, analyse and evaluate products of high quality.
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To establish a learning environment which is conducive to learning, is stimulating, imaginative and relaxed where students feel supported and secure.
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To value the work of all students, using assessment as a means to monitor student progress, provide information in relation to attainment on a national scale and to form a basis for individual action plans with more demanding targets.
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To create a department where staff have strong personal skills and are prepared to share these to the mutual benefit of the Subject Team.
At KS3 all follow the programme of study specified by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.
Classes are timetabled for 3 periods per 2 week cycle. Students are given the opportunity to explore Technology through practical projects. As well as Health & Safety, they study such areas as hand and machine tools, materials such as wood, plastic, metal and control systems such as electronics and mechanisms.
Year 8
The Year 8 curriculum consists of introduction to the subject building on work covered at primary school. Students design a range of products using focussed materials and compile associated design booklets;
-Health & Safety
-Materials
-Desk Tidy Project
-Electronics
-Night Light Project
Year 9
The Year 9 curriculum builds upon the teaching and learning delivered in Year 8 by expanding knowledge in electronics and manufacturing;
-Steady Hand Game Project
-Structures
-Truck Project
Year 10
In Year 10 a greater emphasis upon industrial manufacture and production is studied allowing students an insight into the work of the professional designer.
-Computer Aided Design
-Computer Aided Manufacture
-Mobile Phone Charger Tidy Project
-Electronic Timer Project
Students follow the OCR Technology & Design Specification.
Technology & Design is based upon the laws and principles of science and utilises these to solve real-life problems. Technology is also concerned with the management of the environment, and familiarity with materials, energy and control systems – electronic, mechanical and pneumatic.
The emphasis is on product design and manufacture and students will be involved in the design and manufacture of their own products. At all times they will be encouraged to strive for excellence and adopt safe working practices in a manufacturing environment. A high standard of competence will also be expected in both written and graphical work.
Assessment: A511 – Introduction to Designing and Making (Coursework), 30%
A513 – Making Quality Products (Coursework), 30%
A515 – Sustainability & Mechanical Systems (Examination), 40%
Students follow the CCEA Product Design Specification.
Students study Product Design in a range of contexts including home, school, recreation, community, business and industry. They have opportunities to develop and sustain their creativity and innovative practice, recognise and overcome challenges and constraints when working towards the production of high-quality products and develop an understanding of contemporary design and technology practices.
Assessment: Each unit accounts for 25% of the full A level
AS Units
AS 1: Product Design and Systems and Control: Product Design
AS 2: Coursework – Product Development
A2 Units
A2 1: Systems and Control
A2 2: Coursework – Product-System, Design and Manufacture