Technology
Technology wins Good Schools Guide Award
The Design & Technology Department occupies two buildings.
The Technology Centre comprises three workshops, equipped primarily for wood, metal and plastics work. A central machining area includes wood and metal working machine tools and a welding bay. A computer suite contains 24 computers and is used as an integral part of all teaching. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) facilities comprise a Gravograph Laser Cutter and a Boxford Router, both used extensively for projects at all levels.
The Bay View building comprises two rooms. The Graphics room is equipped and used primarily for the teaching of GCSE Graphic Products and includes a small suite of computers for graphical design. The Systems & Control room contains a full computer suite, used for computer control and electronic and printed circuit board design.
The Department is busy and dynamic, facilities being used at lunchtimes and after school by both pupils and staff. Groups of primary school pupils use the CADCAM and workshop facilities on a weekly basis.
Staff Profiles
Mr Rands (Head of Department) has a BA from Loughborough University and is the Head of Department. He is Housemaster of Ashton House.
Mr Saul (Head of Department) graduated in Engineering at Cambridge University and has an MSc in Mobile Communications from Lancaster University. He is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of Institution of Engineering & Technology. He has worked as an Engineer in the electronics and automobile industries in UK and USA, and as a teacher in Botswana. His sea kayak now looks on forlornly as he fits out a 60 foot canal narrowboat. His three children can now beat him at most sports. He specialises in Systems & Control.
Mr Halladay (teacher) graduated in Design Technology with the Open University and has a PGCE through the same organisation. He also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies gained at Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education. Following a career in the Army, he has taught in the private sector and in Australia. His two sons are currently at LRGS and his wife is the school receptionist.
Mr Rouse (teacher) has a BA from Loughborough University and qualified as a Master of Design at the Royal College of Art.
Oak Roberts (technician)
Technology - 11+
All boys in the Lower School study Design & Technology which follows the National Curriculum. Pupils are taught in groups of up to 20, and through a carousel system they undertake a variety of projects with different teachers. These projects are intended to help the pupils make an informed choice of GCSE option at the end of Third Year.
In the Technology Centre pupils design and make projects in wood, metals and plastics, using hand tools and CADCAM. Boys also undertake Graphics and 3D modelling projects. In the Systems room pupils do some basic electronics, microcontroller programming, computer control, and projects incorporating mechanisms and structures. The Third Year work includes an Enterprise Project in which groups of pupils manufacture, market and sell a product of their choosing.
11+ Extra-curricular Projects
Boys are welcome to use the departmental facilities during lunchtimes through an informal Technology Club. Many use this time to pursue project ideas of their own, or sometimes to continue with work started in class.
Every year we enter a team for the national First Lego League competition. This involves building and programming a Lego robot to perform a variety of tasks, supported by a team presentation.
Groups of pupils also participate in local and regional Technology events and competitions.
11+ FAQs
Can I do my own projects?
Yes. The Department is available most lunchtimes for you to come in and use the facilities. During the Lent Term however we must give priority to GCSE and A- level students who are completing their coursework projects.
Technology - 13+
All pupils are required to take a Technology subject at GCSE and are able to choose one of the following options:
- Design & Technology – Resistant Materials Technology
- Design & Technology – Graphic Products
- Design & Technology – Systems & Control Technology
In each case the coursework project accounts for a major part of the final GCSE mark and the use of Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CADCAM) is expected.
Resistant Materials projects traditionally use wood, metals and plastics but glass, ceramics, fibre glass and even concrete are occasionally used. Projects reflect the interests of the boys and amongst the electric guitars, computer workstations and tables we will find pheasant feeders, garden tools, golf caddies and an intriguing variety of unusual projects.
Graphics Products projects may include point-of-sale and promotional displays and incorporate CADCAM to produce 2D and 3D products in a variety of Materials. Systems and Control projects have included pet feeders, table tennis servers, infra red locks and a ship stabiliser. All pupils design and make printed circuit boards and mechanisms, and program microcontrollers to achieve often complex outcomes.
13+ Extra-curricular Projects
Pupils have enjoyed and benefited from courses organised by the Smallpeice Trust. These are residential courses in Universities all around the country and give participants insight into Technology and Engineering. Students progressing to A level Technology are encouraged to apply for Arkwright Scholarships.
13+ FAQs
Which exam board do you use?
We use AQA Design & Technology
Who pays for GCSE projects?
You do! We have a stock room with a wide range of materials but materials used in projects must be paid for. In any case, many pupils require and buy in special materials for their projects.
What support is available outside class time?
Teachers and the department Technician try to make themselves available, particularly in the busy period as GCSE deadlines approach. Facilities are generally available for use when a member of the Teaching staff is in the building.
Technology - Sixth Form
Sixth Form Curriculum
The Department offers two A-level courses: Edexcel Product Design (Resistant Materials) and, from September 2010, in collaboration with Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, OCR Product Design (Systems and Control).
Edexcel Product Design: Resistant Materials
The AS-level course now comprises a one and a half hour theory exam and coursework. The coursework consists of three elements: Product Analysis, Design, and Manufacture. At A2, students take a two hour exam and the coursework comprises a Design and Make project for a client.
OCR Product Design: Systems and Control
The AS-level course comprises an Advanced Innovation Challenge writen paper and a coursework project. The A2 course comprises a written examination and a Design and Make project.
