Resources and Facilities

There are currently seven workshops equipped for multi-media design and/or construction work with resistant materials. One of the workshops has been equipped with resources to support Engineering activities; another has an annexe that holds specialist heavy equipment suited to KS4/5 projects. Three of the workshops have interactive whiteboards and associated ICT facilities, the others have projectors.

All workshops are equipped for electronics work and have the capability for light CAD/CAM work as all are equipped with or have access to vinyl cutters. Across the workshops there is the capability to apply all traditional, and many of the modern, processes. Resources are always being reviewed and updated; recently six hot wire strip heaters and two vacuum press kits have been purchased (amongst a range of items). The majority of hand tools have been replaced within the last three years.

Another room has been converted into a dedicated CAD/CAM centre, which has two Laser cutters and three CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines amongst other ICT resources. The three CNC machines have all been upgraded to the latest specification within the last two years.

We also have four main textile rooms, which each contain a full suite of sewing machines, computer controlled sewing machines and other supporting resources. All of the Textiles rooms have interactive whiteboards or projection facilities. Within the Curriculum Area we have a dedicated computer room which house a total of 25 multi-media PCs and other audio-visual equipment including interactive whiteboard. Other PCs are located in some of the rooms therefore allowing direct integration into the day to day processes required for the modern curriculum.

We have a separate area, which is a material storeroom and cutting/preparation area.

In all the workshops, wall space is positively used to create informative and stimulating displays that reflect modern processes, support the projects and create an expectation for achievement. Likewise, we make good use of corridor display space and have added a total in excess of 16 metres of display space within the last year.