Technology

• The aims of the course are:

• To contribute to the student’s preparation for life through encouraging the constructive and creative use of such knowledge and transferable skills as might be applicable to solving practical problems;
• To contribute to the student’s development of qualities of self-reliance, self-confidence, resourcefulness and initiative;
• To contribute to the student’s preparation for life by stimulating the student’s interest and confidence in working safely with equipment and materials;
• To develop in the student the skills of visualisation and  manipulation involved in designing and making artefacts;
• To develop in the student the abilities to make a critical evaluation of a piece of work and to take appropriate action;

• To develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of scientific and technological phenomena and terminology;
• To develop in the student an appreciation of how technology impacts on society and an understanding of how it might be used to the benefit or detriment of the social and physical environment.

• Course Structure
• The Central activity in the course is the TASK.  The selection of the task will vary according to the stage of development of the student.  Every task will require input of knowledge and skills.  The interplay between these appropriate resources and suitable tasks is the essence of the course.  Knowledge and skills are not treated as independent courses or modules in themselves.

• Students who have completed a course in Technology should be able to:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of technology through solving problems;
• Show awareness of the possibilities represented by the development of materials, techniques and equipment.
• Use technical equipment in order to mark out, cut, shape, form, join and finish materials.
• Represent, using recognised conventions, the visualisation of completed piece of work;
• Communicate in simple technical terms through the composition, reading and interpretation of basic working drawings;
• Prepare a production plan;
• Translate basic working drawings into practical reality by selecting and working materials, part-prepared raw materials, and fully-prepared components or sub-assemblies;
• Complete tasks to a standard of excellence;
• Appraise critically the work for quality of design, function and finish and take any measures necessary;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the properties of materials;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the operating principles of simple components and mechanisms, and how they might be selected, applies, and tested for particular tasks;
• Take proper care of equipment and materials;
• Recognise the limitations of technology;
• Discuss the environmental issues arising from the use of technology;

• Demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of technology as a response to the needs of society.

• I chose Technology…
• Because I like to make things from different materials.
• Because I like designing and making things.
• Because I like working with my hands.
• I like to design things and build them from scratch.
• The advantages of studying Technology are…
• It will help me in careers such as Engineering.
• It will help me with DIY around the house.
• I am able to make things and fix things.

Careers

• All engineering and engineering technician careers; Aircraft technician; Architecture; Army & Air corps apprenticeship; Cartographer; Industrial designer; Graphic Designer; Maintenance & Service personnel; Mechanic; Structural design; Printing; Town planner; Draughtsperson; Industrial engineer.