Welcome to the Design Technology department of Islay High School. Within the department there are various subject offered to challenge students and advanced their learning and prepare students to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. Students will gain awareness and learn from wider influences on Design and Technology including historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. Students will get the opportunity to work creatively when designing and making and apply technical and practical expertise. The course allows students to study core technical, designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, materials techniques and equipment.
Design & Technology feeds into many major sectors of employment. UK engineering (mechanical/electrical/civil/structural) is world renowned for excellence, and one of very few sectors where employment is expanding. What you might not know is that the skills people gain in preparation for this profession also make them incredibly good managers and chief executive officers. In fact over a third of the country’s highest paid managers are qualified engineers. The creative industries are one of the largest sectors of employment within the UK, worth around £15.5billion per year, and one of very few sectors to have continued to grow during the recession. Companies are desperate for young designers with fresh ideas, combined with the technical ability to realise creations.
First Year Students start in the department with one period a week covering the Technology outcomes for the BGE. Students will begin with an introduction to wood/metal/plastic materials, Introduction to graphics and 3D modeling. Work can also be access for students when absent from school through the following link – Microsoft Teams
Second Year students have two periods a week within the department and continue to advance their knowledge and understanding within the subject areas. Work can also be access for students when absent from school through the following link – Microsoft Teams
Once students have completed their BGE course they have the option of further study within the department in the courses below.
