Our Courses

Where it all begins! Curiosity, creativity, problem solving, laser cutting, 3d modelling, team work, independence and so much more. Lessons in Graphic Communication, Design & Manufacture as well as Design Engineer Construct. Pupils will sample all we have to offer in a fun and relevant curriculum that is tailored to the pupils in our area. The projects are designed to inspire the pupils and help them understand what Design Technology can do to help their skills and knowledge moving forward.

We firmly believe in utilising the amazing facilities we have on offer at Vale of Leven Academy. 3d printers, laser cutters and fully kitted out workshops. Pupils will spend the majority of the year in workshops experimenting and honing their skills. The metal rose, trinket box, Kevin the lamp and music monster are just the start. Essential design tasks will enhance a deeper understanding of the skills needed to thrive in the course.

The only limits in this course are defined by how much drive and creativity you have. Pupils are set small tasks that can grow into professional looking folios of work. Pupils will be working with industry standard software and be given time and freedom to showcase their ability. Inventor room designs, magazine publications, drawing skills, technical graphics, app design, and many more, all based around the 3P's...preliminary, production and promotional.

We value vocational skills to help our pupils find positive pathways. Learning joinery, painting and decorating and plumbing will help aid the pupils in the next step toward College or work. Organisational skills and communication are key to being successful in this class.

We are proud of this one! This course is a break from the norm...a non SQA based course that sees Vale of Leven Academy being adopted by a professional organisation. Committed to working closely with our pupils we will have the opportunity to work with architects, surveyors, project managers and landscape designers. The pupils will learn about the built environment, designing an Eco classroom they will work as a team to develop the building from the ground up. They will take on the roles and responsibilities of all aspects of a building environment, working with industry standard software including Autodesk Revit.

Where the real professional work begins...pupils choose this as they want to achieve an SQA award in the subject. Pupils will learn about the 3P's: preliminary, production and promotional while designing the Buggy project or Lego Character, depending on the level sitting. The main project will mimic the assignment the pupils will sit as part of the course...this will prepare them properly and help build on their confidence at the exam stage.

Design is the key component here. Pupils must understand how to take a concept and develop it fully for manufacturing. A challenging and fun course that year after year amazes with what the pupils produce in folios and model making.

We love this course where you get to learn by doing. Building flat frame models, carcase and machine finishing. Learn joinery and confidence using machine and hand tools. Kit out your houses with Art Easels, Clocks, Mirror Frames and more...

A brilliant course that compliments progression into college courses in joinery or similar.

The content of this course is designed around preliminary, production and promotional work. All exam theory is taught during the thematic folios. We have three projects to enthuse pupils. Have a look at our pupil showcase and you will see the Drone, Wall-E and studio apartment. Advanced techniques will be explored including drawing and theory, understanding not just how to do it but why it is done is the key element here.

Creativity is at the heart of this course and its combination with technology. It provides a practical introduction to design, materials and manufacturing processes. It combines elements of creativity and designing for visual impact with a requirement to consider a product’s function and performance.

Advanced Higher Graphic Communication is the highest qualification we offer within the department. It is designed to challenge those who excel at the subject and develop confidence to make that final step into further education. Commercial Visual Media and Technical Graphics are the two units taught before the pupils are given free reigns to produce a 20 page portfolio - working with a client - to produce industry standard graphics. Autonomous working, curiosity and determination are key to excelling in this subject.