TECHNOLOGY

We aim to engender within pupils an interest in, and an understanding of, some of the many aspects of technology that permeate every conscious moment of our lives, and an appreciation of the far-reaching consequences of technological development and progress.

HIGHLIGHTS

• One of the few schools in Scotland to offer all three Technology subjects (Graphic Communication; Product Design; Technological Studies) at
  Higher Level, and the opportunity to progress to Advanced Higher Level in Graphic Communication and Technological Studies.
• We are members of the Young Engineers' Clubs (Scotland), and in conjunction with this organisation, have extra-curricular activities for the following groups:
• A thriving Technology Club for Form I and Form II pupils
• An Electronics Club for Form III and Form IV pupils
• An Automotive Club, run in conjunction with the REME section of the Combined Cadet Force; the current project is the construction of a two-seater kit car

COURSE INFORMATION

Junior Technology: This is a hands-on practical course that demonstrates the integrated nature of contemporary technology. It covers machines and mechanisms, electricity and electronics, pneumatics, computer control, principles of design, computer-aided graphics, manual sketching and drawing, three-dimensional modelling and craftwork in a variety of media. All pupils take this course from Junior I through to Form II.

In Form III, pupils may elect to take one or more of the following subjects within the Technology portfolio:

Graphic Communication

Intermediate 2: this course introduces pupils to the techniques involved in presenting information graphically by various techniques, and to the reading and interpretation of graphical information.

Higher Level: further develops abilities in reading and interpreting drawings and other graphical information, and skills in presenting such information.

There are three 40-hour units at each level: Technical Graphics I and II and Computer Graphics, and a folio of work is produced.

Advanced Higher Level: manual graphic skills are further developed, and skills in computer-aided graphics (CAG) are extended significantly via three units: Technical Graphics; Computer-aided 3-D Modelling; Computer-aided Graphic Presentation.

Product Design

Intermediate 2: Pupils produce multiple acceptable solutions to design briefs in a range of media. The four units include Product Evaluation and Graphic Techniques, Designing for People, Designing for Manufacture, Product Model.

Higher Level: develops the depth of understanding of the principles - and complexities - of design, through further study in the areas noted for Intermediate 2. This course is popular as a 'crash' Higher for pupils interested in one of the many Design courses available in Higher Education.

Technological Studies

Intermediate 2: introducing pupils to several aspects of modern technology, through four units: Applied Electronics; Systems and Control; Mechanical Systems; Energy.

Higher Level: further develops understanding of Applied Electronics and Systems and Control, and considers the forces at work in the built environment, through a Structures and Materials unit.

Advanced Higher Level: studies in the three areas covered at Higher Level are furthered considerably; this course provides an excellent foundation for those wishing to enter higher education in the areas of engineering or technology/design.