Design

Design as an intellectual subject discipline at secondary level has changed significantly over the past decade. This is mainly due to the changing nature of the world of employment, the demands of tertiary education and the consequential development of examination syllabuses. It is certainly not simply about manufacture.

From September 2009 the Department of Design has chosen to offer the OCR GCSE course in Product Design and the AQA A Level course in Product Design (3D) specification.

The fundamental aims of these specifications are to assess a pupil’s design and engineering capability and to reward imagination, creativity, innovation and flair. It puts the candidate at the heart of the process, initiating design solutions, developing working models and prototypes, testing and trialling. It also recognises the need to reward careful and considered use of ICT (not simply using computers).

Designing and making is a truly creative and intellectually challenging activity. It is entirely compatible with high levels of numeracy and literacy – the design process itself draws on areas such as History, Art, Maths, Science, language and communication. Developing divergent and creative abilities is a basic function of education. One of our primary aims in the Design Department is to inspire and empower our future designers and engineers: to excite passion in our teaching so that you can develop products you love with sensitivity to an ever-changing world market and clientele.  Design is only good when aesthetics, economics, internationalism, durability, function, ecology and comfort come together to harmonise with one another, making things better: for people, business, commerce and ultimately for the world.

Anthropology is more important than Technology.

We welcome any pupil who has had a background through prep school (or GCSE if moving onto the A Level courses) in any design/technology related discipline. We are also willing to work with you if you have not studied the subject before but show a passion for design in any area (this is done through a self-developed portfolio and an interview with the Design Director). It should be noted that the courses are quite demanding of your time. It should also be noted that if you follow an A Level course in Product Design with us you will need a laptop for your studies.

This subject is valuable for a career in any sphere of Product or Industrial Design, Engineering, Graphics, Fashion, Theatre or Television. It is also a good supporting A Level for degree courses in any of the Pure or Applied Sciences and Architecture.