Information Book Just for Starters - Stockport Grammar School

TECHNOLOGY
What is Product Design in the Lower School like?
First Year: Pupils start the course by learning about the basic classification of materials and
then take part in a “design and make” project in which they construct a hanging mobile
from softwood and MDF. This teaches them to use basic hand tools and also some simple
machine tools such as pillar drills, fret saws and vertical belt sanders. Pupils are introduced
to a range of Computer Aided Design and graphics software.
Second Year: Pupils cover a range of jewellery techniques: casting, enamelling and etching.
They then complete a “design and make” project to produce a gift for a local museum.
Third Year: Pupils are introduced to a wide range of manufacturing techniques such as
casting and brazing. They gain further experience in Computer Aided Design and are taught
how to use it to produce components on a computer controlled laser cutter. They design
and make a picture frame and a clock based on their research of the Memphis design
movement.
What happens further up the school?
At GCSE pupils currently study AQA Design and Technology:
Product Design. The course involves pupils designing and manufacturing products using
a range of materials including wood, metals, plastics and composites. They will study
industrial processes to give them an understanding of how everyday products are produced
commercially. The use of ICT will form a key element of the course with CAD (Computer
Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) being used in the development
and realisation of their ideas.
Textiles Technology. The course at GCSE builds on the work done through Textiles in
Lower School Art and Technology lessons. Pupils demonstrate creativity through designing
and making a range of textile products. Pupils develop their pattern drafting and garment
construction skills. They study commercial practice and keep up to date with technological
advances in fabric manufacture and current issues in the textiles and fashion industry.
At A Level the department teaches AQA AS and A2 Product Design, which allows the pupils
to follow a course which can be individually tailored to their future career or academic
aspirations.
44