Resistant Materials Technology
At Dove House School we are proud of the varied and exciting syllabus we teach in Resistant Materials Technology and the extensive facilities we have.
In Resistant Materials all pupils can expect to work with and learn about a broad range of materials such as woods, manufactured boards, plastics, Styrofoam and metals as well as using a number of ready-made components. During projects pupils will also gain experience of industrial techniques such as vacuum forming, pewter casting and CAD/CAM.
In Resistant Materials the projects have been specifically designed to cover many areas with the pupils so that they gain a beneficial experience from the subject. Apart from Resistant Material projects, we also cover graphic design, smart materials, basic systems and control and basic electronics where pupils learn how to solder.
At Dove House School pupils are supported to participate in every stage of the design process. This can include activities such as; researching, analysing products, designing, developing ideas, modelling, planning, constructing, testing and evaluating. There really is something to cater for every pupils' interests, whether it is drawing, making or planning we build on their skills (regardless of ability) developing their confidence and independence in the workshop.
In Resistant Materials we are commited to....
Giving pupils as broad and creative experience as possible.
Providing a safe learning environment where pupils can develop their practical skills.
Increasing pupils' understanding of the technological and industrial world.
Improving confidence, independence, decision making and problem solving. Supporting the growth of key skills (communication, social skills, motor skills concentration, coordination, sequencing.) and providing application for literacy, numeracy and ICT.
KS3
In KS3 pupils are led on a journey through the main material areas on a mixture of instructed, design your own and group challenge projects. A range of teaching methods are used and a number of thought provoking tasks are applied to engage all pupils. In KS3 pupils will work with all the tools except for soldering equipment.
KS4
In KS4 pupils are expected to be more independent in their project work. They also have to consider in more depth issues such as environmental and cultural impact of products, ergonomics and industrial manufacture. In year 10 pupils undertake a graphics project, an electronics project and then go onto a unit called 'skills bank' which prepares pupils with all the knowledge and skills they should need for GCSE. In year 11 pupils go onto accreditation coursework where they get to choose their own design brief.
In the workshop we have:
• Interactive whiteboard
• 10 computers all with internet access and design software
• A range of CAM machines including; The 'Metaza' metal engraver, the 'Stika' vinyl cutter
and the 'Modela' 3D scanner and modelling machine.
• Metal working bay with extraction, metal cutter and pewter casting equipment.
• Injection moulding equipment
• Vacuum former and a strip heater
• Soldering equipment
• A range of hand tools
• Machine tools such as pillar drills, scroll saws, disk sander and lathe
• 5 full size work benches
• A 'clean' area for design tasks
• Drawing boards
• Delux Knex classroom construction set
