Resistant Materials encompasses a selection of areas. Students work with wood, metal and plastic and can integrate elements of electronics as well. It is about creativity. Adapting and manipulating materials allows students to explore their properties and place them in a commercial context. There is also a huge fun element that can also be explored. Creating ones own design that one then sees through to a three-dimensional outcome is enormously fulfilling. The unusual and extreme in design is actively encouraged and students are guided through processes that allow them to produce high quality products of which they can be proud.

From Key Stage 3, students work on a selection of projects that stretch their understanding of materials and processes. They learn key skills in making and are encouraged to think creatively with their designs. During Year 9, the electronics element is removed and becomes a separate option subject. At this point, students become far more involved in thinking more laterally about their designs and how they could be transferred into a practical piece of 3D work.

At Key Stage 4, Resistant Materials is extremely popular and a number of students choose to study it to GCSE with the AQA exam board. They are permitted to do a great deal of experimentation during Year 10, and produce a huge variety of outcomes that allow them to think more innovatively so that their final project has a good subject knowledge behind it. Projects range in design and concept and a great deal of creativity is drawn out. Properties of materials, joining techniques and shaping using a variety of tools and machines are all key elements of the course. Students are allowed to pick their own project from a range of exam board approved briefs. After a selection of test pieces, a final product and project folder is completed and marked. This accounts for 60% of the final GCSE grade. The final 40% is obtained in an examination.

Students may also choose to take Resistant Materials at A-level. This is an EDEXCEL qualification and gives students the opportunity to extend their GCSE skills. The course involves working at a much higher level and requires a deeper understanding of materials, processes and manufacturing techniques. The units include a product investigation, product design and product manufacture at AS-level and this accounts for 60% of the AS-level grade. At A2-level, a design folder is created for a product that the student creates as a concept but can be for a real client and could have commercial implications. At AS-level and A2-level, an examination accounts for 40% of the final grade. Students who follow the Resistant Materials syllabus often go onto university to study Product Design or Engineering at degree level.

All students are actively encouraged to use our facilities during lunch and after school and a member of staff is always on hand to give advice or aid.

Entries are made into national competitions and educational visits are provided when the opportunity arises. Outside agencies or speakers are invited in to school to inspire our students or provide them with further insight into the graphical industry and further education options.

The Engineering in Education Scheme is offered to a team of Year 12 students. Students from Resistant Materials often take part in this prestigious event where the students work with engineers from industry and attend a university residential course for three days. A presentation is made to a judging panel and the teams findings are displayed at the final event.

The Smallpeice Trust offers a number of technology / science-based courses for students to attend from Year 9 up, and is highly popular as they offer a huge range of taster topics at universities.

The Arkwright Scholarship is also offered to a select group of students in Year 11. This is a bursary provided to students who wish to further extend their studies into Engineering at degree level.

The Resistant Materials results are always excellent and show how a sense of wonder can be induced in students, who find that they are capable of producing original design and enjoy themselves, whilst creating their products.