Technology

Technology at Queen Elizabeth's School seeks to engage pupils in the field of engineering through a series of theoretical and practical experiences; we seek to encourage pupils to question the man-made world around them and to consider how it can be made better. Technological skills are developed through analysis of existing products, manufacturing skills-based activities, testing of products and materials and project work.  Computing and ICT is developed throughout the Technology course as both digital literacy and programming activities.

Group projects, discussions and analysis are a valued element in teaching and learning in Technology. At Key Stage 3, Technology takes a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) based approach; pupils develop their skills in design, problem solving, manufacturing and testing.  The Technology curriculum delivers a challenging computing based provision and also introduces pupils to working with Food. Pupils are taught a variety of food preparation and cookery skills in our new fully-equipped teaching kitchen. In Key Stage 4, pupils study the OCR Product Design specification. This course develops pupils’ practical engineering skills with challenging manufacturing tasks whilst also allowing them the scope to explore wider design contexts such as engineering for the developing world or designing for people with disabilities.

There are a variety of exciting extra-curricular opportunities open to young engineers in Technology.  At Key Stage 3, our electronics and vibrobot lunchtime clubs focus on enthusing pupils about engineering and designing, whilst at Key Stage 4 there is an opportunity for pupils to get involved in making their own 3D printer in our Reprap club.  There are also Technology clinics provided to offer pupils additional support.

Technology in the Sixth Form offers pupils the opportunity of taking part in the EDT Engineering Education Scheme; this scheme involves a team working with an engineering company on a real-world brief. Pupils begin by producing and testing concepts, developing their ideas to ensure problems are addressed, and finally presenting their ideas to the company board and a panel of engineering professionals at a celebration day.  Pupils can also become part of the Greenpower Challenge team; the scheme, led by pupils, involves designing and constructing a single seat electric racing car which will ultimately compete against other secondary schools in local and national racing heats.

The Technology department also promotes the Arkwright Scholarships scheme, which aims to encourage high-ability 15 and 16-year-old students to take up engineering or technological careers by awarding scholarships during their A Level studies.

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