Design and Engineering applies creativity and imagination to explore, create and evaluate products and is a popular and well subscribed subject at King’s Ely. Students make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems in our state-of-the-art workshops and design studio. Students are encouraged to design and manufacture high-quality products. The course is inspiring, rigorous and practical, helping to develop critical thinking leading towards design innovation to solve problems.
At GCSE, students develop their understanding of product analysis and the wider issues of design, such as emerging technologies and sustainability. Students are encouraged to take design risks, helping them to become resourceful, innovative and enterprising, working with a range of materials that are suitable for their designs. Keeping up with technologies, students can experience 3D printing as part of the wealth of manufacturing processes available.
At A Level, the syllabus widens the focus on Product Design. Students independently undertake a substantial design, make and evaluate project that fully exemplifies their skills, knowledge and understanding of Design and Technology, encouraging them to be curious and resilient designers.
In the King’s Ely Senior, the opportunity is available to be involved in STEM projects and competitions, such as the Recycled Raft Race in Year 9. Visiting speakers encourage students with their designing skills. The National Arkwright Scholarship can be applied for in Year 11, allowing strong links with Engineering.
Design and Technology will enable progression into Engineering, Product Design, Architecture, Games or Automotive design at University. Past students have also started their own businesses.