DESIGN IS NOT JUST WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. DESIGN IS HOW IT WORKS

Steve Jobs

Have you ever solved a practical problem on your own? How would you go about it and would you know where to start? Well, here at Birchfield we can show you exactly where to start and how to go about practical problem solving using the tried and tested Design Process. Used in industry, it is a simple plan of action which gives you all the stages required to get the best solution to resolving practical issues. Design Technology is an integral part of the curriculum at Birchfield, and is also an option for GCSE.

Building a bridge, making a moving toy with a cam or two or using pulleys and gears to make the wheels go round, using a Lego robot block or forming plastic prototypes in the 3D Printer can all be created and have the Design Process applied if required. It is so exciting to see our young engineers casting in metal having made their own casts in the Laser Cutter. Using a wide range of electric drills and saws is standard practice from Year 3 as is the use of a whole range of practical hand tools. It is a modern world here in the Design and Technology Department and we would be delighted if you would come to Birchfield to start your journey as the engineers and innovators of the future.