I enjoyed Design Technology at GCSE. I wanted to study a mixture of creative and academic subjects at A Level. Both my grandads are engineers and one of them encouraged me to consider it as a career. The chance to be creative in a scientific way really appealed to me. In Year 12 you have the opportunity to apply for the EES (Engineering Education Scheme). If successful, you work on a project in year 12 with a team and a mentor from industry. I got to spend 3 days at Liverpool University on the scheme which was excellent. Another reason to choose Design Technology – 3D Design is that there is no formal exam at the end to revise for.
I am studying Structural Engineering and Architecture at university. I had to submit a portfolio of work as part of the application. I didn’t do Art at GCSE or A Level so I didn’t know if I would be successful. I sent in work from my PD portfolio and one of the tasks for entry was to draw a picture of the street I live on. I did a drawing of my street from a snail’s perspective! I also did work shadowing in Year 12 with a structural engineer in Salford. I was with a firm of building surveyors and structural engineers which specialises in historical structural engineering projects.
Design Technology – 3D Design is one of the most practical studies at A Level you can do. It shows creativity and attention to detail. Employers and universities value it highly and it’s not like anything else.
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Cranmer Education Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity registered in England. Company registration number: 07687709. Registered Office: Cranmer Education Trust, c/o The Blue Coat School, Egerton Street, Oldham OL1 3SQ. The website address is www.cranmereducationtrust.com and the phone number 0161 785 5082.