The pupils are introduced to a wide range of materials, tools, processes, machines, graphical techniques, CAD, and safety procedures.

In the Geits, the pupils design and research work is produced in work books.  In the Seconds and Thirds they are encouraged to use A3 format and produce their project work in folio form. The use of computers is encouraged for written and graphical work.

Most projects result in a final two dimensional or three dimensional realisation and a written folio. 

The folio contains an identification of the problem, design brief, analysis, initial ideas, product development and evaluation. 

Completed work can then be taken home.  Work remaining in school is likely to be more technological in content and may have been produced from kits such as Lego Technic or tested to destruction.

During the first year pupils are expected to have completed three major projects.  These projects last about 10 weeks, if there is time at the end of the final term a quick project such as the Spaghetti / Balsa Wood Bridge project is introduced, but the priority is to finish each of the three major projects. Most projects result in a product which is evaluated and taken home. For example:

Balancing man – materials used: wood and metal
Double sided maze – materials used: wood and plastic
Graphic skills and basic introduction to how to use CAD

PROJECT AIMS might include:

1. To understand the Design Process.
2. Understand the need for a Design Brief.
3. To understand the need to plan and think through a problem, before going ahead with the final design.
4. Understand the need for mock-up models before going ahead with the final realisation.
5. This project introduces the Geits to the application and benefits of working in wood and metal.
6. To make them aware of the need to behave in a mature and safe manner
7. To present work always to the highest possible standard.  

During the second year pupils are expected to complete three major projects.  These projects each last about one term.  If there is time at the end of the final term a short project is introduced, but the priority is to finish each of the three major projects.

Typical projects include:

Mobile phone holder – materials used: metal, wood and plastic
Money box – materials used: wood
Graphic skills and basic CAD work

PROJECT AIMS might include:

1. To introduce pupils to the idea that design is not an isolated subject, that information gathered from within and outside of the school is necessary to make a design successful.
2. The electronic components designed and manfactured in the Electronics Department, set constraints on the form of the organ, these must be considered from a very early stage of the Design Process.
3. To fully understand the need for the design process.
4. To understand that planning and thinking through a problem is vital.
5. To understand the developments taking place in timer technology.
6. To make them aware of the advantages and disadvantages of electronics in design.
7. To understand that when packaging electronic components, there will be factors effecting the design for example; appearance, function, ergonomics and manufacture.
8. To further expand their knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
9. To understand which materials are most suitable for a particular type of product.  

During the third Year pupils are given less teacher directed projects, this gives them an opportunity to be more expressive and able to make design and manufacturing decision based on there past two years experience in the department.  Projects are still given deadlines, material and cost restrictions but other than that pupils are encouraged to be expressive and free with ideas.

Typical projects include:

Lamp – materials used: any
A variety of wooden puzzles
Spinning top
Graphic skills and CAD work

PROJECT AIMS might include:

By the end of a project pupils should be able to:

1. Make full use of the Design Process.
2. To think through the design of an item in manufacturing detail, understanding that the steps of manufacturing such an object must be planned before work in the workshop can begin.
3. Mark out work accurately in wood, metal or plastic using the correct tools.
4. Use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively.
5. Use the centre lathe, brazing hearth, milling machine and wood turning lathe under minimal of supervision.
6. State the reasons for finishing materials in a particular way.
7. Wire a 13Amp plug and wire a lamp fitting safely.
8. Present a well thought through folio which includes a three dimensional drawing of the final realisation and a well structured evaluation.