Form 7 A-level and IB Diploma Design and Technology pupils visited Rutland Plastics to learn about manufacturing plastic products and its sustainable practices.
Design & Technology
Oakham’s Art and Design and Design Technology Departments have earned a national reputation for excellence thanks to our outstanding facilities, talented staff and the remarkable work that our pupils produce.
The Richard Bull Centre is home to the Art Department with dedicated studios and workshops for Art, Sculpture, and Textiles. The range of activities, media and materials available is extensive. There are also opportunities for students to explore digital photography and new electronic media.
The Jerwood School of Design is a purpose-built facility that contains cutting edge equipment, including CREO 7.0 CAD software, 8 x 3D Rapid Prototype Printers, 6 x laser cutters and an extensive range of CNC machinery. As well as large workshops for pupils to work with more traditional materials, there are also studios dedicated to computer-aided design and electronics.
Both facilities are open for pupils to use beyond their timetabled lessons. We offer Art and Design Technology activities to pupils of all ages as part of the wider Activities Programme. The Departments are also open during the weekends for older students to work further on their coursework.
Regular exhibitions of the work of pupils of all ages are popular with visitors and the school community alike. The standard is indeed exceptional, as shown by Oakham pupils regularly winning art and design awards. The Art, Design and Technology Exhibition held each May is a particular highlight, as it offers a chance for our students in Forms 5–7 to showcase their exam work.
Many students go on to have successful careers in the creative industries.
Design and Technology News
Form 4 Design and Technology GCSE pupils recently visited Morgan Motor Company in Malvern for a factory tour.
The Form 3 Creative Arts Project Day saw 70 pupils take a trip to see the production of Morgan's cars at their factory in Malvern and take part in the 'Eliminator Boat Duel'.
Tim Weston
I have been Head of Department since 2000 and in my roles as Prinicipal Moderator of IB DT IA, I have been involved in the curriculum review for both the current and previous subject guides and I have contributed to the writing of examination papers and have over 13 years of experience leading workshops. I am an ISI schools inspector and have contributed to the following subject resources: Introducing the IB Diploma Programme, Creative Schools' website and Audi Design Foundation. I am a member of the DATA secondary working group and achieved the IED prize for Outstanding Contribution to Post 16 Education in 2006.Having been a keen rower, I represented the GB U23 team at the Nations Cup in 1999. After which I spent time coaching the senior women’s squad at Nottingham Trent University, assisting coaching at Worcester Rowing Club and starting rowing as a sport at Oakham.