Design and Technology is part of the National Curriculum subject called Technology. At Warren, Technology is taught by two Departments, the Food Technology Department and the Department of Design and Technology.

Some fathers will remember their woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing lessons. In the 1970s these subjects begun to merge together as schools started to recognise the importance of pupils developing design skills as well as learning practical skills. This new subject was called Craft, Design and Technology (or CDT for short). Very soon electronics began to be introduced to schemes of work as well as the use of computers.

The introduction of the National Curriculum sought to bring all these elements together. Food and Textiles were seen to be important facets of manufacturing industry and were included as part of Technology and new technologies such as computer control, pneumatics and computer aided design and manufacturing CAD/CAM were also included.

Today Technology is a fast evolving subject for both girls and boys and most schools work hard to make sure they keep abreast of new techniques. The Technology Department at Warren contains four well equipped workshops, an advanced manufacturing room plus three design rooms and a sixth form study room. All rooms have networked computers. The Technology area is well equipped with graphics facilities, colour inkjet and laser printers, computers, microelectronics, electronics and pneumatics facilities. We are also well equipped with advanced manufacruring machines such as the Laser cutter and 3D machining routers.

There are many opportunities for parents to help their children develop their Design and Technology capabilities. Helping with and making sure that homework is completed is an obvious way. The Homeworks part of this site gives full details of all homeworks set at KS3. As your child progresses to GCSE level they will be expected to develop more complex projects. Helping them find the right materials or discussing folderwork can help pupils be clear about their projects and help them plan. Project guidelines are given to all pupils. Ask to see them or download a copy from this site.

If you are reading this then you have internet access. This site is meant to offer help with all courses. It would be worthwhile spending a little time with your son or daughter each week exploring the site and discussing some of the topics and resources. If you think that your child needs more homework then download an appropriate worksheet from this site. As they move to KS4 they will need to conduct research and may need your help in finding useful sites.

There are many activities around the house that offer opportunities for your son or daughter to develop their capabilities. Helping with DIY projects offer the opportinity to help plan and decide materials. Think about taking your son or daughter to the DIY store or builders merchants with you. Ask them to work out how many rolls of wallpaper are needed, how many packs of screws or nails or how many lengths of flooring timber. Ask them to sketch the colour schemes for decorating projects or perhaps even, with supervision, drill and rawlplug the holes for new shelves.

One of the most enjoyable ways of helping your son or daughter is to plan trips to include visits to useful institutions or sites. It is important that he or she sees different designs and ways of making or presenting things. Pointing out unusual buildings when driving through London, for instance can broaden appreciation of aspects of design. How many times have we driven over the Dartford Bridge, for instance, without thinking about its style or construction.

Listed below are a few places you might want to consider for a visit. They have been chosen not only for their educational value but as offering something for all the family.

Southend-on-Sea

Resources from the CMT form the basis of our Year 9 Graphic Products course. Recently moved from Covent Garden to Southend this popular toy shop has something for everyone. If you visit make sure that you have plenty of small change. Inside you will find more machines and a shop counter where you can buy card self assembly models, books and videos. Buy tickets for the main theatre display from the shop.

Visit the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre online at www.cabaret.co.uk

This popular museum offers much for those studying Technology and provides access to many technological developments. The museum has a policy of providing exhibits specificaly for children and part of the museum is dedicated to this. Many of the exhibits are interactive and provide children with the opportunity to have a hands-on expreience.

Visit the Science Museum online at www.sciencemuseum.org.uk