Pupils combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human needs.

Students learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team.

Our ethos is that the pupils should learn as much as possible by completing practical projects and exercises in a fun and stimulating environment. We want pupils to have an awareness of why products are designed the way they are and to be able to critically evaluate what they use and have made themselves.

Pupils study Design and Technology from Year 3 until Year 9. It can then be chosen as a GCSE and A-level option. We offer the AQA GCSE Design Technology course (8552) and the AQA Product Design A-level (7552).

 

Facilities at Freemen's

We have two large general purpose workshops and a CAD/CAM and computer design room that includes a CAM lathe, two laser cutters (1300 x 900), three, 3D printers and a large A1 computer controlled router. We have a wide range of machine tools, sanders, hand tools as well as a hot metal working area, plastics forming equipment and electronics equipment.

 

Expanding student learning

We run a Young Engineers’ and Scientists STEM club that meet at Atkins Civil Engineering HQ in Epsom every first Tuesday of the month where the students can earn a bronze award. We also have a thriving model railway club.

To support pupils’ learning we run trips to the BMW Mini car factory in Oxford, attend the Design in Action lectures and enter students for the annual SATRO STEM challenges.