- Technology & Design

Technology & Design

“From Concept to Creation”

At Dominican College Portstewart, our Technology & Design department is a vibrant, creative hub where students explore and develop practical skills for the modern world. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, our students gain experience in a wide range of fields—from digital design and engineering principles to product development and construction techniques.

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on exploring ideas and taking ownership of the creative process. From brainstorming and sketching initial designs to developing and testing prototypes, students are encouraged to take risks, think outside the box, and learn from each iteration. Using industry-standard tools like CAD software, 3D printers, and workshop equipment, pupils gain real-world experience in design and engineering, preparing them for the dynamic, fast-paced fields of Technology and Design.

Guided by our passionate and experienced teachers, students are encouraged to think outside the box, design responsibly, and consider how technology can be used to create a positive impact. The department’s facilities provide a dynamic environment where creativity and technical skills converge, fostering an engaging learning experience.

Whether they’re building prototypes, programming, or exploring new design methods, our students are prepared to become tomorrow’s creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. Join us in the Technology & Design department at Dominican College Portstewart, where inspiration meets innovation, and every idea has the potential to shape the future.

KS3

KS3 Technology & Design at Dominican College: Building Skills, Creativity, and Independence

Our newly revamped KS3 Technology & Design curriculum at Dominican College focuses on three key areas, providing students with hands-on experience, creative development, and independent thinking which are all essential skills for their futures.

Year 8: Developing Manufacturing Skills
In Year 8, students are introduced to our workshop, where they gain practical experience using a variety of hand and machine tools. Through engaging projects, they learn to work with key materials like metal, wood, and plastic, building foundational skills in manufacturing.

Year 9: Enhancing Design Skills
Year 9 emphasises creativity and design thinking. Students explore the process of conceptualising and planning before they manufacture, using both traditional tools and computer software to bring their ideas to life. By the end of the year, they’ve developed a range of projects, enhancing both their design and practical skills.

Year 10: Fostering Independence
In Year 10, students build on everything they’ve learned to develop independent skills, preparing them for GCSE Technology & Design. They dive deeper into the design process, working through real-world challenges and exploring potential career paths within Technology and Design.

Throughout Key Stage 3, students are assessed across coursework skill and theoretical knowledge. Our assessment criteria encourages students to critically assess their own work, fostering reflective thinking and continuous improvement.

Our KS3 Technology & Design curriculum is fun, engaging, and challenging, with equal opportunities for every student to thrive and excel.

Year 8:

  • Unit 1: Health & Safety
  • Unit 2: Metal Key Tag
  • Unit 3: Wooden Soma Cube
  • Unit 4: Plastic Pencil Holder
  • Unit 5: Computer Aided Design

Year 9:

  • Unit 1: Key Rack Holder
  • Unit 2: Puzzle Design
  • Unit 3: Electronic Systems

Year 10:

  • Unit 1: Joining Methods
  • Unit 2: Careers within Technology & Design
  • Unit 3: The Design Process
  • Unit 4: An introduction into the Built Environment

GCSE

At GCSE level, we offer the traditional CCEA Technology & Design course, as well as the Occupational Studies course in Technology & Innovation.

The CCEA GCSE Technology and Design specification encourages students to be innovative and prepared to take design risks. Students explore the creative, engineering and manufacturing industries, as well as the importance of high-quality Technology and Design.

Our GCSE Technology and Design specification provides students with a core of knowledge in the following key areas before they choose to specialise in one:

  • electronic and microelectronic control systems
  • mechanical and pneumatic control systems
  • product design.

The Occupational Studies specifications:

  • focus on occupations and employability;
  • enable progression to other courses, training and employment;
  • help to raise levels of achievement; and
  • emphasise learning by doing, which helps learners to develop the transferable skills needed in a changing and dynamic working environment.

Occupational Studies builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Learning for Life and Work Area of Learning.

We are currently exploring additional subjects to expand our Technology & Design department offerings, including courses in Construction and the Built Environment; and Engineering. Stay tuned for updates!

Breakdown of course

GCSE students studying Technology and Design in Dominican College will follow the CCEA specification (see https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-technology-and-design-2017 for more details). In this specification there are several different options to follow. Set out below are the options that our students will be taking

Content

Assessment

Weightings

Availability

Unit 1:

Technology and

Design Core

Content

This unit comprises of:

Product Design

Electronic control systems

Mechanical control systems

Pneumatic systems and control

Computer control systems

25%

Summer Year 11

Unit 2:

Optional Areas of Study

Students will study Option C Product Design. It comprises of:

Design and innovation

Manufacturing practices

Materials, components and fabrication

Market influences

Social responsibility of product design

25%

Summer Year 12

Unit 3:

Design and

Manufacturing

Project

Controlled assessment

Students complete a design project comprising of a 10-page design portfolio. Students will then manufacture their final design. The project is based on a theme laid out by CCEA each year.  The project allows students to demonstrate their ability to design and manufacture a product.

50%

Summer Year 12

Students studying the CCEA occupational studies Technology and Innovation in Dominican College will follow the CCEA specification (see https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/vocational/subjects/level-1-and-level-2-occupational-studies-2013 for more details). In this specification there are several different options to follow. Set out below are the options that our students will be taking.

Content

Assessment

Weightings

Availability

Bench Joinery

Students complete a range of coursework units and manufacture a Coffee Table.

50%

Summer Year 11

Carpentry & Joinery

Students complete a range of coursework units and manufacture a Bird House.

50%

Summer Year 12

Students studying CCEA Construction and the Built Environment  in Dominican College will follow the CCEA specification (see https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcse-construction-and-built-environment-2017  for more details). In this specification there are several different options to follow. Set out below are the options that our students will be taking.

Content

Assessment

Weightings

Availability

Unit 1: Introduction to the Built Environment

Written examination

1 hour

20%

Summer Year 12

Unit 2: Sustainable Construction

Written examination

1 hour 30mins

30%

Summer Year 12

Unit 3: The Construction Craft Project

Controlled Assessment

Manufacturing Task

25%

Summer Year 12

Unit 4: Computer Aided Design in Construction

Controlled Assessment

CAD Task

25%

Summer Year 12

A Level

Our Technology & Design department offers Edexcel Technology & Design where pupils are assessed in one 2 hour 30 minute paper along with one coursework element. Both units are worth 50% of overall A level grade.

The Specification for our A level can be found at: A Level Design and Technology (Product Design) (9DT0) Specification Issue 2

Content overview

  • Topic 1: Materials
  • Topic 2: Performance characteristics of materials
  • Topic 3: Processes and techniques
  • Topic 4: Digital technologies
  • Topic 5: Factors influencing the development of products
  • Topic 6: Effects of technological developments
  • Topic 7: Potential hazards and risk assessment
  • Topic 8: Features of manufacturing industries
  • Topic 9: Designing for maintenance and the cleaner environment
  • Topic 10: Current legislation
  • Topic 11: Information handling, Modelling and forward planning
  • Topic 12: Further processes and techniques

Breakdown of course

Content

Assessment

Weightings

Availability

Unit 1: Principles of Design and Technology

Written examination

2 hour 30 minutes

50%

Summer Year 14

Unit 2: Independent Design and Make Project

Controlled assessment

Students complete a design project comprising of a 40-page design portfolio. Students will then manufacture their final design. The project allows students to demonstrate their ability to design and manufacture a product.

50%

Summer Year 14

Career Opportunities

A background in Technology & Design opens doors to a wide range of dynamic and rewarding careers. From engineering and architecture to product design, construction, and digital innovation, professionals in this field play a crucial role in shaping the future. Careers in Technology & Design offer the chance to bring ideas to life, solve real-world problems, and create sustainable, cutting-edge solutions that impact everyday life. With ever-growing demand for skilled designers, engineers, and technologists, this field promises both exciting job opportunities and the potential to make a meaningful difference in our world.

Careers may include:

  • CAD Developer​
  • Architecture ​
  • Design (including digital and interactive, fashion and textiles, product etc.)​
  • Engineering (including Aerospace, civil, electrical, mechanical, etc.)​

These are only some of the careers Technology & Design has to offer. More can be found at: Jobs that use Design and Technology – Careers – BBC Bitesize

Staff

Teacher: R Hegarty
Technician: S McCorriston

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