Technology

Technology at Swanmore College is about pupils being able to problem-solve and engage in their learning through creativity, with the ability to turn their ideas into reality.

Pupils experience practical activities using a range of materials in different areas of study i.e. Food, Graphics, Resistant Materials, Structures, Systems & Control and Textiles.

“Design & Technology is about making things that people want and which work well. Creating these things is hugely exciting: it is an inventive, fun activity.”

James Dyson, Chairman, Dyson Ltd

“Tell me and I forget – show me and I may remember – let me do it, and I learn.’ Learning through making works!”

Prue Leith, Leith’s School of Food & Wine

The department is housed in two specialist equipped buildings and there are nine main teaching areasall of which can be used for practical work. In Resistant Materials one of the workshops has access to the brazing hearth and “heavy” machinery. Two other workshops are suitable for use with a wide range of materials. There is also a Systems & Control Room and a Graphics Room with its own suite of computers. In Food & Textiles there are two kitchens and two textiles workrooms.

Through the Technology College Status we have been able to develop our use of ICT to give pupils an awareness of modern world technologies that reflect everyday working practices and motivate them to improve the quality of their work. ICT and CADCAM (computer aided design computer aided manufacture) are used to enhance all aspects of the design process. It is the aim of this subject area to prepare pupils for the ever changing technological world.

Pupils use the latest equipment in CADCAM and we make extensive use of Laser Cutter and other CAM machines. The use of ICT enables pupils to have opportunities for realistic up to date research, to use it as a vehicle for self study and as a tool for modern day projects.

Pupils can attend extra curricular courses and workshops. These extend pupils' learning from their lessons and give them the chance to develop skills and individual projects outside of the Design & Technology curriculum. ‘Swanmore Solutions’ is a vehicle whereby pupils design and make products for the community, eg bird boxes for a local conservation group.

Technology at Swanmore is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop their problem solving skills and experience the exciting hands-on approach to project work.

After College Christmas Cake Club 2009

Year 8 Innovation Day - Wednesday 14 October 2009

Click on the image below to see the brief that Year 8 pupils were set for Innovation Day.  Problem solving skills had to be applied and pupils quickly realised the importance of working as a team.

Congratulations to the winning team M3 - Shuttles ‘R’ Us

Second place went to W6 and H8 was placed in third place.

Ethan Beckwith’s quote of the day to sum it all up was “It’s the best day I’ve had at College ever”.

Year 10 Food Technology Pupils Win a Master Class with Top Local Chef
 

A group of Year 10 Food Technology pupils won a Master Class with top local chef and food writer, Rosemary Moon, from Chichester. This took place in college on Thursday 26 March. Rosemary is an acclaimed chef who has written many cookery books and also trained Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver.

The pupils won the challenge set by Year of Food and Farming in the South East (YOFFSE) in a regional schools competition to create a farmhouse breakfast menu that celebrates the best of local regional produce. The pupils worked together to research, design, and trial to make a selection of original/interesting breakfast dishes. This gave them an insight into local Hampshire produce. Their entry was described as outstanding.

Rosemary spoke to half the Year 10 Food Technology pupils on the value of eating locally sourced foods that are in season and the impact on the environment of eating foods sourced from afar. She also demonstrated a dish using locally sourced ingredients, sausages in a red peppers and rhubarb cream sauce. This was an unusual combination of ingredients but the outcome was delicious which clearly surprised many of the pupils! The pupils also taste tested a variety of locally grown vegetables.

During the second part of the morning the winning team were set the challenge to produce a selection of savoury and sweet dishes with the constraints set out below:

• use locally sourced in season ingredients
• use only 2 dishes/pans using any cooking method
• the food had to be on the table within 1 ½ hours
• no use of recipe books
• the pupils could work in groups or individually

Rosemary encouraged the pupils to be adventurous using a range of fresh herbs and different spices and seasonings. The pupils rose to the challenge producing a wonderful array of dishes including stuffed baked trout, sausages in a rich tomato and vegetable sauce served on baked potatoes, marinated pork with a sweet potato mash, apple and chocolate and oat mixed fruit crumble, a traditional 3 variety apple pie and pork tenderloin served with mixed vegetable stir fry and cheese and herb sauce.

Rosemary said the final products were exceptional and innovative.

Gillian Van de Meer from YOFFSE presented the college with vouchers for £100 for cookery equipment and also provided the ingredients for the superb day to the value of £250.