Design Technology is concerned with the designing, manufacturing and marketing of products. In the Lower School, girls experiment with a wide range of materials and processes to create and test product prototypes, using techniques such as CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) that have become industry standards.

Through supportive and creative teaching, the girls are able to apply ICT, Science and Business Studies skills to realise their product design, and are encouraged to develop business analysis strategies to help assess market requirements.

In the Upper School, the department offers GCSE Product Design and AS/A2 Level Product Design (3D Design): the AS/A2 is an ideal foundation for a variety of university BA and BSc degree level programmes in Product and Industrial Design, as well as a valuable support for Architecture, Engineering and Interior Design.

More generally, this subject opens the girls’ minds to the appropriate use of technology and considers its environmental impact.  Understanding technology is part of being a responsible and engaged global citizen!

Jonathan Welch , Head of Design Technology

Mr Jonathan Welch, MCIOB, MIFireE, DMS, PGCE

Jonathan’s first posts of responsibility were within the construction and loss prevention industries, working as Business Development Manager and Training Manager. 

Liaising with both industrial and commercial clients, Jonathan established a viable health and safety and mechanical engineering training department and lectured extensively at home and abroad. After setting up and directing a heritage construction company he completed a PGCE in Design Technology at Goldsmith’s College. Jonathan has taught Product Design within the state and independent school sectors.