Design & Technology

Welcome to the Faculty of Design, Technology and Architecture.

We are so much surrounded by examples of ‘consumer-led’ or ‘market-led’ design in our everyday lives that it now appears to be a natural and inevitable aspect of our society. We are constantly interacting with an ever increasing range of products that have been designed and manufactured to meet our personal needs, keep us safe and improve our wellbeing.

Designers and manufacturing companies are now very conscious of the impact that their new products will have on the environment and pay close attention to issues of sustainability. We all have a part to play in protecting our environment and should be encouraged to consider the six ‘R’s’ of design: ‘rethink, reuse, recycle, repair, reduce, and refuse’, a ‘circular economy’ and a cradle-to-cradle approach with regard to the products we design, manufacture and use.

Learning in Design and Technology will ensure that children and young people develop their understanding of important themes such as the impact of technology, informed attitudes to technology, sustainability, and social, economic and ethical issues. These will underpin and continually reinforce learning within the subject. It will also help learners to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills as well as encouraging them to become innovative and critical designers of the future. These attributes are essential if, in the future, our children and young people are to play a major part in the global economy and embrace technological developments in the 21st century.

Many former pupils of the faculty have progressed on to careers in design, engineering and technological fields such as architecture, product design, graphics, textiles, jewellery, prosthetics design, automotive design and animation as well as all types of engineering namely civil, mechanical or industrial.

“Design and Technology should be as riveting and relevant as the career it channels into. Logical, creative and practical, it’s the only opportunity that school students have to apply what they learn in maths and science – directly preparing them for a future in engineering.”

James Dyson (Inventor)

“The (D,T & A) department have been so incredibly supportive throughout my years of taking their subjects and do everything they can to help us exceed our potential.”

Gaby P.

“The (D,T & A) department allowed me to develop and learn new skills as well teaching me ways in which to apply my creativity in many different situations.  This has helped me to not only develop as a person but also helping me to come up with unique solutions to problems in life no matter the challenge.”

Sophie W.

Curricular Choice / Course Information

S1 & S2 Course Information

The Design and Technology course for S1 & S2 pupils covers a range of innovative topics, over 4 rotations, where pupils are challenged to develop their knowledge and understanding of design and their creativity and problem solving skills.

Some of the topics covered during the S1 & S2 courses are branding, 3D modelling, architecture and various design and manufacture projects. All of the activities covered in the S1 & S2 course link to our individual departmental subjects: Design and Manufacture, Graphic Communication, Architecture and Practical Woodworking; which are available to pupils from S3 onwards.

S1 & S2 Design & Technology

S1 & S2 Design & Technology

The Design and Technology course for S1 & S2 pupils covers a range of innovative topics, over 4 rotations, where pupils are challenged to develop their knowledge and understanding of design and their creativity and problem solving skills.

Some of the topics covered during the S1 & S2 courses are branding, 3D modelling, architecture and various design and manufacture projects. All of the activities covered in the S1 & S2 course link to our individual departmental subjects: Design and Manufacture, Graphic Communication, Architecture and Practical Woodworking; which are available to pupils from S3 onwards.

Design and Manufacture - National 5

Design and Manufacture – National 5

Design and Manufacture introduces learners to the multi-faceted world of product design and manufacturing. Creativity is at the heart of this Course and its combination with technology makes it exciting and dynamic.

The Course combines scientific, mathematical and technological rigour with design and manufacturing creativity and innovation. It is at this interface that the Course demonstrates broad options, possibilities and flexibilities in supporting educational growth.

In the Course, learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. The Course thus provides a broad scope for personalisation and choice.

The Course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base and to widen their horizons regarding a range of potential vocations and careers. It will provide opportunities to further acquire and develop further the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities, including: creativity, flexibility and adaptability; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; perseverance, independence and resilience; responsibility and reliability; and confidence and enterprise.

The Course provides learners with skills that allow them to learn, live and work more effectively in our advancing technological society. It allows them to become not just effective contributors but informed and discerning consumers.

National 5: Total 180 marks

Component One: Course Assignment (90 Marks = 60% of the total mark)
The assignment requires students to demonstrate aspects of challenge and application in a practical context. Learners will apply knowledge and skills from the Units to produce a solution to an appropriately challenging design problem. The Course Assignment will assess two areas:

Design skills (50% of Assignment marks). Candidates will produce a folio.
Practical skills (50% of Assignment marks). Candidates will produce a prototype.

Component Two: Written Exam (60 marks = 40% of the total mark).
The question paper requires learners to demonstrate aspects of breadth and application in theoretical contexts. Learners will apply breadth of knowledge from across the Units and depth of understanding, to produce descriptions and explanations related to theoretical design and manufacture contexts. Learners will complete this in 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Design and Manufacture - Higher

Design and Manufacture – Higher

Design and Manufacture introduces learners to the multi-faceted world of product design and manufacturing. Creativity is at the heart of this Course and its combination with technology makes it exciting and dynamic.

The Course combines scientific, mathematical and technological rigour with design and manufacturing creativity and innovation. It is at this interface that the Course demonstrates broad options, possibilities and flexibilities in supporting educational growth.

In the Course, learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. The Course thus provides a broad scope for personalisation and choice.

The Course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base and to widen their horizons regarding a range of potential vocations and careers. It will provide opportunities to further acquire and develop further the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities, including: creativity, flexibility and adaptability; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; perseverance, independence and resilience; responsibility and reliability; and confidence and enterprise.

The Course provides learners with skills that allow them to learn, live and work more effectively in our advancing technological society. It allows them to become not just effective contributors but informed and discerning consumers.

Higher: Total 170 marks

Component One: Course Assignment (90 Marks = 53% of the total mark)
Pupils will undertake an internal design folio exam where they will be required to produce a solution for an SQA design brief. Learners will apply knowledge and skills from the Units to produce a solution to an appropriately challenging design problem.

Component Two: Written Exam (80 marks = 47% of the total mark).
The question paper requires learners to demonstrate aspects of breadth and application in theoretical contexts. Learners will apply breadth of knowledge from across the Units and depth of understanding, to produce descriptions and explanations related to theoretical design and manufacture contexts. Learners will complete this in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Graphic Communication - National 5

Graphic Communication – National 5

The Graphic Communication Course introduces learners to the diverse and ever-increasing variety of presentation methods employed in graphic communication. It provides scope for personalisation and choice.

The Course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base and to widen their horizons regarding a range of vocations and careers. It provides opportunities to further acquire and develop the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities, including: creativity, flexibility and adaptability; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; perseverance, independence and resilience; responsibility and reliability; confidence and enterprise.

Learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. They will develop an awareness of graphic communication as an international language. They will find that the skills they acquire by successfully completing this Course will be invaluable for learning, for life and for the world of work.

The Course provides skills that are complementary to other curricular areas such as expressive arts, sciences and mathematics. It provides skills that are valuable for learners in the other areas of study in the technologies.

The Course provides progression from experiences and outcomes in expressive arts and ICT, as well as in craft, design, engineering and graphics.

National 5: Total 105 marks

Component One: Written Exam (65 marks = 67% of the total mark).
The question paper will have a total of 65 marks. Learners will complete this in 2 hours.
Approximately 50% (40 marks) will be awarded for questions related to 2D Graphic Communication.
Approximately 50% (40 marks) will be awarded for questions related to 3D and Pictorial Graphic Communication.

Component Two: Course Assignment (40 Marks = 33% of the total mark)
In the assignment, marks will be awarded for:
• Preliminary graphics (approximately 10-15 marks)
• Production graphics (approximately 10-15 of the marks)
• Promotional graphics (approximately 10-15 of the marks)

Learners’ evidence should include a set of preliminary, production and promotional graphics relating to the brief, and evidence of planning and evaluation. Learners will complete this in 8 hours.

Higher: Total 125 marks

Component One: Written Exam (75 marks = 64% of the total mark).
The question paper will have a total of 75 marks. Learners will complete this in 2 hours. Learners will be expected to show evidence of their breadth of knowledge from across the graphics units and depth of understanding.

Component Two: Course Assignment (50 Marks = 36% of the total mark)
In the assignment, marks will be awarded for:
• Preliminary graphics (approximately 15-20 marks)
• Production graphics (approximately 20-25 marks)
• Promotional graphics (approximately 5-10 marks)

Learners’ evidence should include a set of preliminary, production and promotional graphics relating to the brief, and evidence of planning and evaluation. Learners will complete this in 8 hours.

Graphic Communication - Higher

Graphic Communication – Higher

The Graphic Communication Course introduces learners to the diverse and ever-increasing variety of presentation methods employed in graphic communication. It provides scope for personalisation and choice.

The Course allows learners to broaden and deepen their skills base and to widen their horizons regarding a range of vocations and careers. It provides opportunities to further acquire and develop the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities, including: creativity, flexibility and adaptability; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; perseverance, independence and resilience; responsibility and reliability; confidence and enterprise.

Learners are encouraged to exercise imagination, creativity and logical thinking. They will develop an awareness of graphic communication as an international language. They will find that the skills they acquire by successfully completing this Course will be invaluable for learning, for life and for the world of work.

The Course provides skills that are complementary to other curricular areas such as expressive arts, sciences and mathematics. It provides skills that are valuable for learners in the other areas of study in the technologies.

The Course provides progression from experiences and outcomes in expressive arts and ICT, as well as in craft, design, engineering and graphics.

Higher: Total 125 marks

Component One: Written Exam (75 marks = 64% of the total mark).
The question paper will have a total of 75 marks. Learners will complete this in 2 hours. Learners will be expected to show evidence of their breadth of knowledge from across the graphics units and depth of understanding.

Component Two: Course Assignment (50 Marks = 36% of the total mark)
In the assignment, marks will be awarded for:
• Preliminary graphics (approximately 15-20 marks)
• Production graphics (approximately 20-25 marks)
• Promotional graphics (approximately 5-10 marks)

Learners’ evidence should include a set of preliminary, production and promotional graphics relating to the brief, and evidence of planning and evaluation. Learners will complete this in 8 hours.

Practical Woodworking - National 5

Practical Woodworking
Practical Woodworking introduces learners to the manufacture of various timber models using a number of craft skills.

The Course is distinct in value in that it allows learners to develop practical psychomotor skills (manual dexterity and control) in a universally popular practical craft. It helps learners to develop safe working practices and to become proactive in matters of health and safety. It allows them to learn how to use a range of tools, equipment and materials safely and correctly.

The Course is of broad educational benefit. It allows learners to develop skills in reading drawings and diagrams, measuring and marking out, as well as cutting, shaping and finishing materials. It allows them to learn how to work effectively alongside others in a shared workshop environment. The skills that learners acquire by successfully completing this Course will be valuable for learning, for life and for the world of work.

The Course encourages learners to become successful, responsible and creative in their use of technologies. It allows them to continue to acquire and develop the attributes and capabilities of the four capacities, including: creativity, flexibility and adaptability; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn; perseverance, independence and resilience; responsibility and reliability; and confidence and enterprise.

National 5
The SQA assessment will allow pupils to showcase their skills within the following areas:
• Flat-frame Construction
• Carcase Construction
• Machining and Finishing

Evidence will be required that the learner can carry out all their topic areas to a given standard. Tasks will include some complex features. Evidence of knowledge and understanding will also be required.

Architecture & Creative Industries Level 6 NPA

Architecture NPA

National Progression Awards (NPAs) assess a defined set of skills and knowledge in specialist vocational areas, linked to National Occupational Standards.

This NPA in Architecture and Creative Industries introduces learners to technologies, processes and practices that are important in Architecture, Design and the Creative Industries.

This NPA develops knowledge and understanding of processes and disciplines in the creative industries sector; practical, technical and transferable skills; oral, written and evaluation abilities; resource management; problem solving and planning; and organisational and communication skills.

This qualification covers areas such as: career paths, job roles and the responsibilities of those working within the creative industries; the generic skills and attitudes valued by employers; storytelling techniques (traditional and emerging techniques); the key elements of the creative process (media platforms, media commissioning, audience research and legal controls); and the structure and language of creative briefs and how they can be interpreted.

NPA Level 6
In order to gain an award within this course, pupils must pass all of the mandatory units and assessments outlined within the course. There are four units within the course, and all of them are mandatory.

The units are structured as follows:
• Unit One: An Introduction to Creative Industries within Scotland
• Unit Two: Understanding a Creative Brief
• Unit Three: The Creative Process
• Unit Four: Storytelling for the Creative Industries

All evidence produced by candidates will contribute to an overall course grade.

Success and Achievement

February BGE Excellence and Progression Awards

Well done to the winners of our D&T BGE Excellence and Progression Awards (rotation 3). Certificates are being distributed out to pupils throughout the course of this week.

Congratulations!!

New Year D&T Awards – January

Listed below are our first D&T awards for 2024! These are awarded to a pupil from each S3-S6 class who has shown excellence in their subject & Williamwood’s Core Values: Respect, Ambition & Kindness.

Well done all!!!                

BGE Excellence & Progression Awards

Well done to the winners of this month’s D&T BGE Excellence and Progression Awards (end of rotation 2).
Certificates will be distributed out to pupils throughout the course of next week.

Congratulations everyone!!                                                                                                                                             

Design & Technology Awards – December

Congratulations to our Design and Technology award winners for December.
These pupils have shown excellence in their subject & have demonstrated the Williamwood Core Values: Respect, Ambition & Kindness.

Certificates will be handed to award winners this week in class.

Well done all!

S5/6 Architecture & Creative Industries

Some more creative brief outcomes from our S5/6 Architecture and Creative Industries pupils! Here is an album cover for a vinyl record, and a ruin restoration project

This is Lorenzo’s response to Elise’s brief – to design a new pair of sneakers.

Our Design & Technology Lego Robotics Club enjoying the regional finals event on Friday – a huge well done for taking part everyone!

Early start as the Design & Technology, Lego Robotics Club head towards the regional finals event.
A big thank you to Miss Fox, Miss Semple & Mubbasher who have prepared the team for the event.
Wish them luck! 

Skills for Life, Learning and work