Design & Technology
Sedbergh is the only school in the world that is allowed to use the Millennium Products logo, a reflection of the enthusiasm and expertise of our Design and Technology team and the achievements of our past pupils.
Design Technology operates in a purpose-built Design Centre and we recently
converted an old storage facility into a dedicated CAD/CAM room. Facilities
have improved over recent years and are set to expand further in the near future.
The department consists of two full-time staff plus a full-time technician.
An additional full-time member of staff is shared between Sedbergh Junior School
and the Design Centre, thus helping to maintain a strong link with younger pupils
and continuity through the School.
Curriculum
Design Technology is part of the curriculum for all pupils in Year 9 at Sedbergh
and a scholarship scheme operates in the department to support further study.
By sampling the various options and applications of Design Technology skills
and knowledge, pupils can come to an informed decision regarding GCSE.
GCSE Resistant Materials Technology
A problem is solved through the use of wood, metal or plastic and presented
as a folio of research material and a working artefact. In recent years, Seating
has been the topic set within the School and we have enjoyed the remarkable
variety of end results.
GCSE Systems and Control Technology
In this syllabus, a problem is solved through the use of electronics and presented
as above. Projects vary enormously from pupil to pupil and year to year.
A-level
Our two GCSE courses provide a firm launching pad for A-level. For AS, we normally
set a theme that can be interpreted in a broad manner. A2 candidates produce
their own brief. During the Sixth Form, industrial visits are organised at least
once a year.
Extra-curricular Design Technology
Out of lesson time, the Design Technology facilities are open for six hours
per week, including two hours on Sundays and demand for equipment and support
in these extra periods is always encouraging as pupils obviously enjoy developing
and applying their new skills.
Candidates are encouraged to enter Arkwright Scholarships and the Audi design
competition as extensions of their studies and, in 2000, Sedbergh became the
only school in the country to be awarded Millennium Product status, through
the efforts of Dominic Burger and his "MAX" Seat for disabled water-skiers.