DT/Engineering Phases 3 and 4

Design and Technology at phase 3 enables learners from Years 6 to Year 8 to experience a firm foundation of material, technological and nutritional concepts.

Through innovative teaching and learning in Design Technology, Graphics, CAD / CAM and Food Technology, students at the Bridge are prepared for phase 4 course choices at the end of Year 8, whichever their specialised individual area of study.  

At phase 4, our curriculum offer is again widespread with both BTEC and GCSE courses readily undertaken in Resistant Materials, Graphic Products, Catering and finally Engineering.

A key characteristic of each of these areas is the continued requirement and integration of ICT, whether via the use of Desktop Publishing or an increased necessity of Computer Aided Design and Manufacture.

Each technology course also ensures that although a rigid framework of theory and practice is followed, the balance between creative and innovative design solutions and the wider environmental implications are fully addressed.

It is therefore imperative to all at the Bridge that ‘engineering' as a tool for success, is widely used and built upon.  The following are some vital measures of success to demonstrate its effectiveness and integration;

•  Engineering as a theme for delivering key elements of the curriculum.

•  Showing that engineering principals are essential for both the development of a modern technological society and for every individual within it.

•  The development of a positive, modern and gender free image of engineering.

•  The impact of Engineering development transcends traditional curriculum area boundaries.

•  Promotion of the concept that modern technologies must sit along side simple techniques in order to meet the varied needs of local, national and global industries.

•  That all students understand that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are integral and necessary to the foundation of successful communities.

•  Active promotion of post 16 progression to FE, HE and apprenticeships.

•  Facilitation of constant and consistent progress for all students and to promote the concept of inclusivity through appropriate and varied curriculum experiences, led by appropriate and varied teaching and learning strategies.

•  Close ties with local, national and international industries, so as to provide a context for motivating students of all ages, abilities and aptitudes.

Mr P Buckley