Design and Technology at Blundell's
At
Blundell’s School Design and Technology is taught as a compulsory
subject to years 7, 8 and 9. At year 10 students can opt for GCSE Design
and Technology (OCR Resistant Materials) and at Year 12 AS/A2 Product
Design (AQA). GCSE groups are typically between 10 and 17 students and
AS/A2 ranging between 5 and 10. The department has excellent exam results
and typically receives between 95% and 100% A*-B grades at GCSE.
The department has a traditional Cabinet making background and regular
produces fine pieces of hardwood furniture. However the department is
rapidly evolving to keep up with modern technology and manufacturing methods
with the introduction of electronics equipment, new computers and Computer
Aided Design (CAD) software. 
The
department is hoping to purchase some Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
equipment over the coming year, which will thrust it even further into
the 21st Century. The aim for 2006 is for the department to have its own
suit of 20 computers with the accompanying CAM machines, which will assist
in the making/modelling of the student’s designs.
Projects within the department are becoming increasingly varied and each individual student’s designs can be realised in the well-equipped workshops. Recent projects have been a luge-board, adjustable piano stool, skateboard ramp, a revolutionary car roof rack and various funky coffee tables. The department is now also starting to attract more girls and this is something that both the department and future employers and hoping to encourage.
All design projects at GCSE and AS/A2 are chosen by the students, and both Pilbo and Mr Wheatley are proud to let the students be as creative as possible.
The DT department is also the home to several activities where students are able to pursue extra-curricular interests. Mr Wheatley and Pilbo both have a passion for cars. Mr Wheatley recently built his own Lotus 7 kit car and Pilbo has restored several cars including a Pilgrim Bulldog. Both members of staff are happy to accommodate the interests of the students in activity time.
| Teachers | |||
 Mr J.G. Pilbeam, BEd, Crewe & A, |
 Mr B. Wheatley, MA (Royal College of Art), BA and PGCE (Loughborough) Head of Dept. |
 Ms D.M. Drew, BA Graphic Products teacher |
 Mr J. Barritt, Technician |