Year 12
Building Technical Skills and Design Thinking
In Year 12, the emphasis is on developing a strong technical foundation alongside creative exploration. You will investigate a wide range of materials, learning about their properties and performance through hands-on experiments and comparative tests used in industry. This will give you a deeper understanding of how different materials can be utilised effectively to solve specific design challenges.
You will study the work of influential designers, analysing how their approaches have shaped the design world and applying these insights to your own projects. Technical skills are developed through mastering CAD CAM software, 3D modelling, and a variety of workshop techniques. This includes working with wood, metals, polymers, and composite materials, as well as using the school’s technology suite of tools and machines. The year encourages you to explore innovative solutions, think critically, and communicate your ideas clearly, preparing you for the more independent design work in Year 13.
Year 13
Independent Design and Advanced Manufacture
Year 13 focuses on applying your accumulated skills to a substantial Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) project. You will identify and investigate a design problem of your choice, developing an original solution through research, concept generation, and iterative design. This process includes sketching, CAD modelling, producing prototypes, and refining your work based on testing and evaluation.
You will have access to advanced manufacturing tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, brazing hearths, and wood lathes to produce a high-quality final product. Alongside the practical work, you will document your decision-making process, demonstrating your understanding of design principles, material properties, and manufacturing methods. This major project is supported by further theory lessons, embedding the knowledge gained in Year 12 and preparing you for the final written exam. By the end of the course, you will have produced a portfolio of work that showcases your creativity, technical skill, and readiness for further study or a career in design-related fields.
Contact
The Thomas Adams School
Lowe Hill
Wem
Shropshire
SY4 5UB
Tel: +44 1939 237000
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