Design and Technology

Design and Technology at Portland Place School

Head of Design and Technology

Chad Macfarlane

chad.macfarlene@portland-place.co.uk

Design Department

Students start the Design & Technology curriculum in Year 8 when they undertake a variety of projects made from wood, metal and plastic (product design) using hand tools, machine tools and computerised tools. In Year 9, they develop their modelling techniques, showing how to meet user needs and how Design & Technology influences and is affected by society.

GCSE students can specialise in either Textiles Design or Product Design. Each course develops the students’ skills, understanding and awareness of materials, so they can make suitable and informed choices on a variety of design problems and opportunities.

At A-level, 3 Dimensional Design is offered. Entirely coursework based, this course encourages and enables the students to develop 3D work in a variety of disciplines and contexts. Many students have progressed into higher education courses including: engineering, architecture, surveying, innovation design, interior design and fine art.