Technology & Design
Staff
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S. Keown (Head of Department)
P. Crozier (Teacher)
A. McGlinchey (Technician)
Technology and Design
Welcome to the Technology and Design Department. The Technology and Design department comprises of two full-time teaching staff and one part-time technician, operating from two fully equipped workshops, two planning rooms and a systems room which has a full set of computers, laser cutter and CNC Router. The department is constantly researching and adapting to changes in the subject area and our aim to is provide an excellent standard of teaching and learning
Key Stage Three
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The Technology and Design Department aims to provide all KS3 pupils with the following opportunities:
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To research and investigate the design and manufacture of products to provide creative and realistic solutions for a range of design challenges.
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Help students become effective and independent learners who can present their learning confidently and coherently.
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develop decision-making skills through individual and collaborative working.
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evaluate their own work and implement changes to bring about improvement in their learning.
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The philosophy of the department is to develop each pupil equally and provide opportunity and challenge so they can achieve their full potential. All KS3 pupils have two periods of Technology and Design per week (1hour 10 mins). They enjoy a varied curriculum over the three years as outlined in the roadmaps below.
GCSE Technology and Design
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At Omagh Academy, we offer the CCEA Technology and Design: Product Design GCSE. Pupils will have four/ five periods of Technology and Design per week. Pupils will complete three main units which are explained below.
Unit One: Technology and Design Core Content: 25%​
1 hour 30 minutes​
External written examination - 10 Questions
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This unit is compulsory. It comprises of designing, manufacturing, electronics, mechanical control systems, computer control systems and pneumatic systems and control. Pupils studying the core should be able to recognise, name and draw all the symbols shown in Appendix 2 of the revised specification.
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Unit Two: Option C: Product Design: 25%​
1 hour 30 minutes​
External written examination
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In this unit, pupils are given the opportunity to explore in detail the design and innovation of products, materials and manufacturing techniques used in the production of products and the social responsibility and market influences involved in the design process.
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Unit Three: Design and Manufacturing Project: 50%​
Controlled Assessment: Design Project and Portfolio – Internally assessed/ externally moderated.
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All pupils must complete this unit of work. This controlled assessment task involves pupils designing and manufacturing an innovative and sustainable product as well as documenting this process in a portfolio which is then submitted to CCEA for moderation.
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Skills developed
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Identify needs, produce possible solutions and provide material and construction details.
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Present ideas using sketches and Information Technology to produce working drawings.
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Manufacture products in a safe and correct manner, also develop the skills to select the most appropriate materials.
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To be able to identify the most appropriate system to control a product.
Careers Note
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Technology and Design is useful for any of the following careers: Engineering: Aeronautical; Civil; Mechanical; Design; Electrical/ Electronic, Building Control, Surveying, Renewable Energy, Health and Safety, Teaching, Planning and many more.
AS/ A Level
At Key Stage 5 level, the Technology and Design Department offers the CCEA Technology and Design: Product Design at AS and A2 level. At AS level, Product Design is delivered over eight periods per week and the A2 level, Product Design is delivered over nine periods per week.
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At AS level, pupils must successfully complete two modules. A further two modules must be successfully completed at A2 level.
AS TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN (PRODUCT DESIGN) – 40%
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Unit AS1: Product Design (25%)
This unit is a study of product design, including materials and their processing. Product Design includes: safety, designing, product analysis and improvement and intellectual property rights.
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This unit is assessed in the form of a written examination. Pupils will have 2 hours to complete the assessment for this unit. Assessment of this unit will take place at the end of Year 13. Pupils’ work in this unit will be externally moderated.
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Unit AS2: Product Development - Coursework (25%)
The emphasis in this unit is on the analysis and development of an existing product with a view to re-design either the product or an aspect of it.
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Pupils will produce a 3-Dimensional model or prototype which represents the practical outcome of the product analysis and development.
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A portfolio should accompany the practical component and will consist of ten A3 pages.
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This unit is assessed in the form of Controlled Assessment. Pupils will have 45 hours to complete the assessment for this unit. Assessment of this unit will take place at the end of AS. Pupils’ works in this unit will be internally assessed and externally moderated.
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A2 TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN (PRODUCT DESIGN) - 60%
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Unit A22: Product Design & Manufacture - Coursework (25%)
In this unit, pupils are required to design and manufacture a technological product.
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Students must identify a problem or need and ensure it provides sufficient scope to meet the assessment criteria. A technological product must have an energy source to make it function and include a control system comprising input, process and output. A portfolio should accompany the practical component which consists of 20 A3 pages. This unit is assessed in the form of Controlled Assessment. Pupils will have 60 hours to complete the assessment for this unit.
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Assessment of this unit will take place at the end of Year 14. Pupils’ work in this unit will be internally assessed and externally moderated.
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Unit A21: Product Design (25%)
This unit involves pupils in and in-depth study of Product Design and Practice including: environmental issues, marketing, selling products, design and ICT in manufacture and the work of product designers.
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This unit is assessed in the form of a written examination. Pupils will have 1 hour to complete the assessment for this unit. Assessment of this unit will take place at the end of Year 13. Pupils’ work in this unit will be externally assessed.
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Careers using Technology and Design: Preparing Students for the Future
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The Technology and Design A-Level is a widely recognised qualification, fully accepted by universities across the UK and beyond. It provides an excellent foundation for students aspiring to pursue further study or careers in a range of disciplines, including:
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Aeronautical Engineering
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Civil Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Product and Industrial Design
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Architecture
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Technology and Design Teaching
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This subject fosters creativity, problem-solving, and technical understanding—skills that are highly valued in both higher education and the workplace.
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Our department maintains strong connections with local businesses and former pupils, enabling us to gather valuable insights into current industry trends and career opportunities. This engagement informs our teaching and helps students make well-informed decisions about their future pathways.
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As part of our commitment to career development, we are pleased to announce that our students will be attending the Careers Fair West at Omagh Leisure Centre this year. This event offers a unique opportunity for pupils to interact directly with professionals from a wide range of industries, gain first-hand knowledge of career options, and explore potential routes into employment and further education.
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Extra- curricular Activities
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Enrichment Opportunities in Technology and Design
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The Technology and Design Department is committed to providing a broad and enriching educational experience beyond the classroom. Throughout the academic year, we offer a range of extra-curricular activities designed to support and inspire our pupils.
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These include:
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Lunch-time and after-school clubs, such as Craft Club and targeted study support sessions for GCSE and AS/A Level students.
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Participation in external competitions, which allow pupils to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts.
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Work experience placements with local businesses, offering valuable insight into industry practices and career pathways.
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Guest speaker events, where professionals from relevant fields share their expertise and experiences with our students.
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We are proud to celebrate the recent success of five Year 10 pupils who won the Terex Roundabout Design Competition. Their innovative design for a roundabout on the Crevenagh Road was selected as the winning entry, and we look forward to seeing its implementation in the future.