Design & Technology

The Design & Technology Department continues to prosper as a ‘forward thinking’ subject, producing product outcomes that are frequently referred to as undergraduate level work rather than of a secondary school standard. The combination of high calibre students and resources, along with dedicated teachers, allows the department to approach each examination course with the unique objective of encouraging all students to invent new products. This is potentially quite a risky approach which has so far motivated the vast majority of students to achieve their full potential.

From Year 7 onwards, a balance of the necessary knowledge and understanding required to perform well in the written examinations, is meshed meaningfully into the cavernous expanse of innovation, creativity and excitement that the coursework projects can create. Experimentation and ambition usually result not only in very high marks, but also in a very rich experience for all. The ensuing product outcomes in a range of resistant materials are often impressive, whilst a few are often quite spectacular.

The department benefits from the expertise and continuity of an annual visit from two UK examiners, often including the chief examiner, at either GCSE or A Level to moderate the coursework marks and to provide invaluable guidance and training for the teachers. Recently, the examiners have used many samples of work at Dubai College as exemplar teaching material for students and teachers across the UK.

Many students who have completed the Design & Technology A Level at Dubai College have gone on to become successful product designers - design consultants - mechanical engineers - architects - jewellery designers - landscape designers - aeronautical engineers and civil engineers to mention a few. Clearly this is not only due to their success in this subject but is often the result of a carefully considered selection of A Level subjects, one of which has been Design & Technology.