We are an enthusiastic and dedicated department of 5 specialist teachers who are committed to encouraging and developing creative flair and imagination in our young people at Saint Michael’s.
We want every child to experience the thrill of having an idea, being encouraged to develop that idea and persevere to produce a final outcome that they can be proud of.
For this reason we provide the opportunity for every pupil at KS3 to experience the design and make process in Food Technology, Textiles, Product Design and Graphic Design.
The high quality facilities enable pupils to acquire knowledge from the very basics to highly advanced skills. All pupils are encouraged to develop design skills using hand sketching and computer manipulation. They become skilful in using tools, machinery and equipment and become confident in their own ability to be a designer.
At KS3
In Product Design pupils engage in projects using electronics, wood, acrylic, and metals, using hand tools and CAD,CAM.
In Graphics they become proficient in using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to reflect real life practice of graphic designers in industry.
In Food Technology they learn the value of healthy eating and the importance of hygiene and nutrition, while developing increasingly diverse dishes.
In Textiles they work to design and make products reflecting charitable organisations and Fair Trade countries, using an extensive range of techniques and computerised machinery.
At KS4
Pupils have the chance to extend their knowledge and passion for these subjects by opting for one or more of the following; Catering, Food Technology, Graphics, Product Design or Textiles Design.
Pupils achieve highly at KS4 and numerous pupils continue onto college to pursue design courses or careers in Catering, Food or Hospitality.
A rich variety of extra curricular activities take place across the department throughout the year.
In Food Technology pupils can attend the Easter and Christmas clubs where they produce festive cakes to enjoy. “Moodle Noodle” club invites staff from across the school to demonstrate their favourite recipes to our pupils. Pupils then make their own version of these in after school clubs. These are always fun sessions and pupils enjoy these immensely. Visitors and guest practitioners to the department have included the Royal Marines, and a restaurant owner and chef. There is also a workshop day for pupils with A Level students from the Catering courses at college.
In Textiles pupils visit the NEC Birmingham for the Clothes Show Live exhibition where they analyse designers and graduate student work to inspire their GCSE work. Visiting lecturers are invited into school to talk about careers paths and bring graduate work to share with us. After school workshops allows pupils to fully explore an extensive range of media, machinery and techniques.
Product Design offers the opportunity to partake in the annual competition with the BAE Manufacturing Institute competition, and the Rotary Design and Technology Tournament.
STEM, (Science Technology, Engineering and Maths) club is a big part of the Technology department where pupils experiment, design and make innovative contemporary products to further understand the workings behind everyday objects. This leads to competitions for pupils to participate in.
The Design Technology department invites KS2 pupils from primary school to work in each subject area to create a variety of items. This allows them to experience high school technology and strengthens their KS2/KS3 transition.