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Durham School

Day & Boarding School (Age 3-18)


Design & Technology

About the Faculty

The Art and Design Faculty at Durham School are committed to providing all students with a thorough understanding of the principles of Art and Design Technology. We promote awareness and understanding of the environment by encouraging imaginative thinking and curiosity. We believe that through Art and Design Technology you are 'educating for life' as art and design education should extend well beyond the classroom.

Pupils are encouraged to explore and develop their imagination, creativity, manipulative dexterity and knowledge and understanding in both subject areas by pursuing theme or project work. All is carefully linked to the aims and objectives outlined in the National Curriculum in key stage 3 and examination requirements in key stage 4 and 5.

We attempt to ensure that students gain understanding of the wider world of Art and Design Technology through our experiences as artists and designers and by utilising the expertise of other professionals. Within the school community we promote the development of cross curricular links and encourage all students to participate in the wide range of extra-curricular opportunities offered within the Faculty.

Our Curriculum:

Years 10 - 11

Design Technology Courses

Design Technology GCSE Graphic Products AQA Code 3532 (Full Course)

Graphic Products is concerned with both visual imagery and the production of 3D outcomes. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a wide range of graphic techniques to create, develop and communicate solutions to problems. For example, students may be asked to design and make a board game, produce a point of sale display or design and manufacture packaging for a range of products etc.

Students follow the AQA specification. They are required to produce a coursework project which represents 60% of the total mark and should not exceed 40 hours’ work. Evidence required for the project consists of a 3 dimensional product and a course design folder and /or appropriate ICT evidence. An examination paper, of 2 hours duration, represents the final 40% of the assessment in which all questions are compulsory. A preparation sheet will be issued to candidates a number of weeks before the test. It will give advance notice of the design context for some questions on the paper.

Faculty

Mr Mark Baldwin

Head of Department - Art and Design Technology

The Faculty comprises five full time members of teaching staff. Mr M Baldwin, as faculty head, is responsible for managerial and curriculum issues etc. Mr M Younger and Mr Clayton teach both Art and Design Technology while Mrs N Thompson teaches Art.


Additional Information:

Extra-curricular Opportunities

The Art and Design Faculty provide a wide and varied range of opportunities for students to further develop their interest, imagination and creative excellence. The activities take place throughout the week and particularly on a Thursday afternoon.

These timetabled activities allow individual students greater access to teaching staff on a one to one basis, something which is particularly useful when working through problems in Design Technology or Art coursework. Opportunities offered include subject clinics at GCSE and AS A2 level, photography, print making, painting and drawing, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, set building, product design and graphics etc.

We are keen to support events within the school community and have organised activities to produce scenery and props for school productions etc.

Subjects within Creative Arts

More in this section:

"School House has done a lot for me in my first year. It has given me a place to spend my time and relax as well as get something to eat, instead of sitting outside or in a classroom all break and lunchtime. It has also helped me massively with my work because I know I can get advice and support from my tutor and Housemaster."
Richard James, Pupil in School House

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