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    Design Technology and Engineering

    Design Technology and Engineering (DTE) at Kimbolton covers a wide range of skills and techniques, from the wood workshop to the metal welding bay and the CAD/CAM design studio and the latest rapid prototyping equipment.

    Pupils have the chance to learn in a safe yet challenging environment, with an emphasis on producing work of the highest quality. Traditional craft skills are taught along side the new tools of the design world including rapid prototyping and laser technology.

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    Design Technology Lesson at Kimbolton SchoolDesign Technology Lesson at Kimbolton SchoolAntiques Expert John Bly Unveils a Reproduction of the Kimbolton Cabinet Created by Design and Technology Students at Kimbolton SchoolDesign Technology Lesson at Kimbolton School

    Departmental Staff

    Head of Design Technology and Engineering

    01480 862235

    Technician

     

    Curriculum

    First and Second Forms – compulsory subject

    In the First and Second Forms, groups of up to 12 pupils focus on safety within the workshop, training on machinery, structures, mechanism and the use of the three main materials (wood, metal and plastic) to make various stimulating projects. 

    Third Form - optional subject

    All Third Form pupils will take two out of the three creative subjects (Art; Design Technology & Engineering; and Food & Nutrition) offered in the Third Form and at GCSE. In the Third Form, pupils can opt for DTE where the course is split into numerous projects, based upon wood, metal, graphics, CAD and Engineering, all in preparation for and gaining experience for the GCSE options on offer.

    Fourth and Fifth Forms – GCSE optional subject

    • Cambridge IGCSE (9-1) Design and Technology 0979
    • All pupils study common content and must also choose one of two specialist options: 1) Resistant Materials (Product Design), or 2) Systems & Control (Engineering Mechanisms). Assessment is 50% coursework and 50% exams.

    In Design and Technology you will have the chance to work and learn in a safe yet challenging environment, with an emphasis on producing work of the highest quality. Traditional craft skills are taught alongside the new tools of the design world including rapid prototyping and technology.

    In both the Product Design and Systems & Controls courses you will design and make products that solve genuine, relevant problems within different contexts whilst considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values. This will enable you to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different media, materials and tools.

    Coursework for Product Design includes the design and manufacture of a Bluetooth speaker; these are usually made from plastics and/or timber, using traditional skills, but can also employ laser cutting and vacuum moulding of component parts. For Systems & Control, the coursework focusses on CADCAM and the design and manufacture of an LED desktop lamp with moveable mechanical features; this can be achieved by methods such as concrete moulding, MIG welding, lathe turning, 3D printing, laser work and CNC.

    Sixth Form – A Level  optional subject

    Edexcel Product Design (9DT0)

    Are you interested in developing practical solutions to everyday problems and in building up your creativity, problem solving, planning, and evaluation skills? Would you like to understand how technological advances can influence the design of products and gain an insight into the world of commercial design, engineering and manufacture?

    You’ll look at the options and opportunities that are open to designers and engineers; and of the difficult choices that they are faced with. Using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM), you’ll be able to try out ideas quickly and realistically on screen and produce work to a high standard of repeatable accuracy.

    Skills such as creativity, freehand drawing and practical techniques remain a core feature of the course. We follow a programme of stimulating design and make assignments before you concentrate on a single assessed product of your choice with the potential for commercial development. A group project will sharpen your planning, management and teamwork skills.

    Beyond the classroom: To extend your learning we encourage all A Level Product Design pupils to make the most of our manufacturing facilities during our open workshops. During these sessions you can pursue and develop your creative and practical skills and work on personal or EPQ projects. You will also have the opportunity to form a team and enter the prestigious Formula One in schools competition. Your team will not only design, manufacture and race your Model F1 Car, but also be responsible for marketing and fundraising for your team. We have fantastic success with this competition reaching the national finals for this competition on numerous occasions. 

    Extra-Curricular Activities

    These include various lunchtime and after school Clubs which cover a variety of interests for all age groups.

    Regular Trips, Visitors and Competitions

    As a department we recognise the importance and relevance of industrial visits. All our examination groups benefit from visits to companies such as:

    • JCB
    • 78 Derngate (the design museum for CR Mackintosh)
    • Warner Bros - the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

    Our recent Sixth Form residential trips have visited the Coca-Cola factory, BMW Mini, Thorpe Park, Ikea, JCB, Jaguar Land Rover, HellermanTyton and Alton Towers.

    We encourage our Fifth Form pupils who are considering reading engineering, architecture, industrial or product design at university to apply for prestigious Arkwright Scholarships. These provide cash awards plus career guidance and valuable industrial links and networking opportunities for the students.

    We continue to have great success in preparing students to achieve the much sought-after Arkwright Scholarships, having produced no less than 21 scholars over the past 12 years. Our current scholar is Alex, U6th.

    In 2018 our Design Technology and Engineering Department was named England’s Top Sixth Form Performer for DT Product Design.