For the majority of the pupils at Breckenbrough the C.D.T room is a place to achieve and be successful. The philosophy builds on the experiential element of the National Curriculum Scheme of Work. Although research and design are important elements of the subject, for our pupils it is the making that is so important. Many of our pupils have been frustrated or failed in their previous experiences of CDT. Indeed many have been banned from the CDT room in their past schools. In the C.D.T. room they cannot only succeed but they can see that they have succeeded. They have real tangible evidence of their success. Thus the lower school Programme of Learning is full of short term projects that allow pupils to complete the making of things.
Boys are encouraged to continue studying the subject in the senior school. In year 10 the detail and depth of the projects are gradually extended according to the aptitude and skills of the pupil. In year 11 those pupils who have a realistic chance of succeeding are entered for GCSE. All pupils are encouraged to continue with the subject.
C.D.T. also has an important role in the wider curriculum. The room is open two evenings a week when boys are encouraged to come in and continue with their class work or are free to do their own thing. Often they use the opportunity to make presents for others.
C.D.T is building its cross curricular links, most obviously with ICT and ART and also in Science and other areas. A new exiting initiative has been the links with a local special school with pupils with moderate and severe learning difficulties. Our boys visit the Dales School and then design and make equipment that their pupils can use to facilitate their learning. This work has been tied in with PSHE.
Aims
The aims set out below are consistent with the requirements of the 1998 National Curriculum Orders for Design Technology.
They also take into account some of the difficulties faced by Breckenbrough pupils in the D.T. environment prior to coming here.
- Give pupils opportunities to develop practical abilities and increase their motor skills, through a problem solving approach, with the final aim being to boost self esteem through pride in their own work.
- Create a good working knowledge of health and safety issues related to the subject area.
- Provide pupils with the opportunities to work both individually and in groups.
- Allow pupils to use skills, knowledge and understanding from other subject areas, Art, P.S.H.E, I.C.T and Science.
- Allow pupils to work with a full range of materials and processes, combing the different materials in a variety of ways.
- To have fun!
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