The department design allows for three groups of up to twenty pupils to be taught simultaneously. There are two large multimedia workshops, a graphics / textiles room and ICT facilities linked to the school’s fibre-optic network within the department. Rooms are also designated for materials storage, materials preparation and a departmental office. The department places great importance on the use of ICT within the teaching of D&T. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is part of the Year 8 curriculum and we have a CAD/CAM router and a CAMM1 plotter/cutter to enable us to produce a number of graphics products. Textiles is taught throughout all age groups.

The department has an excellent record of examination success at both GCSE (Edexcel D&T Resistant Materials or Graphic Products), and A Level (Edexcel 8108/9108 Product Design and 8109/9109 Graphics with Materials Technology). There are many GCSE Textile Technologists and a number taking the subject at A Level. We contribute significantly to extra-curricular activities and clubs; and also support other activities such as set construction for drama productions.

The Head of Department, Sarah Nicholl (Res. Mat. & graphics) joined the department in September 2005. Sarah has a degree in engineering and is successfully helping to introduce CAD/CAM at all levels as well as contributing in a number of ways to the development of the department. Alan Cockerill, (Res. Mat. & Graphics) joined the School in September 1998. He has a teaching degree in D&T and ten years experience in a variety of jobs outside teaching. Cara Macdonald (Textiles) joined in September 2007 as a textiles specialist with industry experience in this field. Textiles was introduced in 2004 and it has become very popular, with both boys and girls, as a GCSE and A Level option. The department has a full time technician, Colin Chandler, who also brings with him a wide range of experience and a number of interests. He is a highly skilled engineer and he not only maintains the department but also takes an active part in helping pupils with their projects.