Introduction to the subject: Resistant Materials and Graphic Design are two of CCHS’s most engaging and practical subjects. Led by two highly trained and qualified staff, the design department includes:

• Three fully equipped workshops with tools for both woodwork and metalwork
• CNC machine
• Graphics computer suite with access to photoshop and pro desktop
• A qualified technician to assist students with practical work.

The design department also has well established links with Staffordshire University, JCB and Briggs; all of which offer excellent developmental opportunities for our students.

KS3 Overview (information about how many lessons a week, topics covered, trips, facilities, equipment etc)

In years 7 and 8 students have two hours of design technology a week. Over the three school terms they will rotate between textiles, food technology and graphic design/resistant materials. Some of the topics they will study in resistant materials include a metal project based on the Pixar movie ‘A Bug’s Life’, making an electronic attraction map for a theme park or shopping centre and an opportunity to make sweet dispensers from wood and plastic with cam machines.

KS4 Overview (information about how many lessons a week, topics covered, trips, facilities, equipment etc as well as GCSE exam board and course information

The Creative and Design department offer two different courses for students wishing to study design technology at GCSE level.

Currently, students can opt for either a GCSE in Resistant Materials (AQA syllabus) or a GCSE in Graphics (AQA syllabus)

Students in the current year 10 are completing a GCSE in Product Design which encompasses both Graphics and Textiles (AQA syllabus)

Students taking their options in the academic year 2016/2017 will be offered the choice of Resistant Materials or Product Design.

Both of these subjects are allocated three hours a week on students’ timetables.

There are plenty of opportunities for out of school learning with design technology. Some of the trips that have been offered in recent years include:

• Year 10 Product Design students attending the Clothes Show Live in December at the NEC in Birmingham
• Year 10 Resistant Materials students visit to Staffordshire University to look at different manufacturing techniques such as casting and welding
• A trip for Year 11 Resistant Materials students to JCB Rocester headquarters to experience a factory tour, learn about the history of JCB, watch the manufacturing of JCBs on a production line and attend a careers masterclass.