Product Design & Jewellery

Awards

Sedbergh Senior School - Product Design & Jewellery Milllenium Products Logo

Sedbergh was the only School to be granted a Millennium Products Award

Sedbergh Senior School - Product Design & Jewellery Logo TDI MTA

National Technology, Design and Innovation Awards

Sedbergh Senior School - Product Design & Jewellery BJA Newcomer Of The Year

introducing product design and jewellery

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.

Sedbergh are the only School to have been granted membership of the British Jewellers Association and were proud to win an award for our unique work in front of the UK Jewellery Industry.

GCSE

Sedbergh School Design Department GCSE Work

Yr 10

Candidates undertake a range of practical projects that give them experience of different materials, and design techniques. The focus is on building up their skill base in a range of practical areas from CAD/CAM machines (laser cutters, 3D printing etc) through to traditional hand tools and graphical techniques. Theory topics include new and emerging technologies, impact of technology on society and understanding the environmental issues surrounding materials and manufacturing.

Yr 11 Coursework

Three broad contexts are provided by the board. The candidate selects a project of their own choosing providing it can fit within one of these contexts. The candidate produces solution that takes the form of a twenty-page design folio and a physical product.

We encourage candidates to push themselves and always aim for products that both look good and work!

Written Paper

Candidates are examined on their understanding of materials, processes, industrial systems and their ability to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of existing designs.

General Comments

Candidates gain experience in identifying, considering and solving problems through the manipulation of a range of materials and technologies. They also develop a broader understanding of the commercial world around them and how it influences society.

The course links well with the A-level in Product Design, but also provides a range of project management and ICT skills not found in other subjects that are useful for future study even if the candidate does not choose to study Design further.

Candidates are free to work in any materials they choose however all project materials and consumables used during the course are billed.  In the case of an abnormally expensive project parental permission is sought first.

Sedbergh School Design Department GCSE Jewellery Work

A-Level

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.

Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study, students must also apply maths and science knowledge to real world situations.  The course utilises traditional skills as well as high end CAD and CAM technology.

The facilities in the department are always expanding and we have close links with local industry that pupils can also draw upon. Candidates can choose to work in diverse project areas ranging from commercial consumer products, through to agricultural engineering, jewellery, and furniture.

A-Level Design Technology is examined through both written papers and a coursework project

Paper 1 – Technical Principals (30%)

Paper 2 - Designing and making principles (20%)

Coursework Project (50%)

The coursework project lasts two terms and is normally undertaking in the U6th year; candidates produce an artefact and portfolio in response to a design problem of their choosing. Candidates are expected to work with a real 3rd party client rather than design something for themselves.

General Comments

A level Product Design provides a firm launching pad for engineering, architecture and Design related fields. The subject is also particularly useful for further study or careers in Business, Marketing, and Advertising. Unlike many subjects at A-level the skills taught are particularly good in developing the project management and independent working required on many modern degrees.

Candidates are free to work in any materials they choose however all project materials and consumables used during the course are billed. In the case of an abnormally expensive project parental permission is sought first.

Sedbergh School Design Department A-Level Work