Design & Technology
“Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.” Paul Rand
It sounds so easy, which is the precise reason why we at Verulam look to teach pupils the principles of good design, foster their own design language and to help pupils find their own approach to design.
Our ethos as a department is to foster students to be inspired by Design, whilst being analytical and employing problem-solving skills to find a solution. We aim to provide our students with the necessary skills to help them develop and define their understanding of design. Students are taught the rudiments of designing and making through a variety of materials including; Food, Graphics, Systems and Resistant Materials. Each material area helps refine and define students’ knowledge and understanding of materials and processes but importantly helps them to build upon their problem solving abilities.
Risks are encouraged and embraced with more complex and open-ended problems being addressed by students as they progress up the school. At KS4 and 5 genuine problems must be solved with ‘real-life client’ to replicate this problem solving subject in the real world. Our teaching team aims to provide a blend of support and challenge to become independent and robust designers. We have a proven track record of excellent results at both GCSE and A Level and our subject continues to be hugely popular taking students from all abilities and turning them into the problem-solvers of the future.
