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!

Ms Miranda Archer Bsc (Hons) Dipl Arch (UCL)  PGCE

Miranda’s initial studies were at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London where she gained her BSc, Diploma in Architecture and RIBA professional qualification.   Miranda worked for some years as an architect in the housing and education sector. Subsequently, Miranda  qualified as a teacher with a PGCE at Middlesex University.

Miranda  has taught all strands of Design and Technology.  Her previous post was at the London Oratory School and prior to that, at St Albans High School for Girls. She has also lectured in Design History at undergraduate level.  Her book, Architects’ London Houses was published by Butterworth in 1992 (under the name Miranda Newton).

Miranda is passionate about design and creativity.  She enjoys developing her own craft skills and has  a particular interest in jewellery making and knitting.