The Auckland Grammar School Technology Department aims to develop creative problem solvers capable of producing imaginative and functional products.

The courses available to students to achieve these aims are wide and varied but can be broadly broken down into Technology and Graphics.
Both Graphics and Technology are approached as problem solving activities rather than just an acquisition of skills. All projects are driven by realistic design briefs written by teachers, and at higher levels, the students themselves. This enables pupils to produce work within their own areas of personal interest. The beauty of the work covered throughout the Technology Department is the breadth of study that the pupils will undertake. The types of activities they will be involved with include:-

• Thorough researching of the design problem 

• Using of tools and techniques to aid creativity eg Mood boards, sketching techniques, development tools etc 

• Development of manufacturing/modelling skills
• Use of computers to aid designing including the use of CAD/CAM 

• The application of a range of subjects including Business Studies, Social Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Maths to name but a few
• Development of evaluation and product analysis skills
• Understanding design's role within society and its environmental impacts.
   

Product and Industrial Design are themes that flow strongly through the department and an often neglected potential career path for students within the department.

Facilities

The students of Technology and Graphics are lucky enough to have a relatively new block with excellent facilities including:-

• 2 dedicated Graphics studios equipped with a variety of modelling techniques
• 3 mixed media workshops allowing the manufacture of a vast range of processes and materials
• Dedicated machine bay
• 2 computer labs with 54 machines
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture facilities (a new laser cutter and 3D printer this year) 
• A vast Technology, Graphics and Design library

Courses Offered

Courses offered by the department in both Graphics and Technology and 6th and 7th Form student follow one of two paths; Cambridge International Exams (CIE) or NCEA.

Technology Courses

Form 4
 General Technology Course
Form 5 
IGCSE Design and Technology - Product Design

Form 6
 AS Level Product Design;
 NCEA Level 2
; Level 2 Unit Standards Fine Furniture Making 

Form 7 
A2 Level Product Design; 
NCEA Level 3

Graphics Courses

Form 4 
General Graphics Course


Form 5 
iGCSE Design Technology – Graphic Products

Form 6 
AS Level Graphic Products
; NCEA Level 2 Graphics
Form 7 
A2 Level Graphic Products
; NCEA Level 3 Graphics

Staff:

Mr M Bennett – Head of Faculty - BA (Hons) Industrial Design and Technology - Loughborough University UK

Mr M Crook – TIC Senior Technology - BSc (Hons) Computer Aided Product Design, Diploma in Industrial Studies, PGCE
Mr J Frisby – TIC Junior Technology and Fine Furniture Making - BEd (Hons) St Marks and St Johns University, Plymouth UK
Ms L Mason - BDes (Hons) UNITEC; Grad Dip Teach (Sec) Auckland University.

Mr D Mellor - BA Product Design - Anglia Polytechnic University; PGCE - Loughborough University UK

Mr D Pettigrew – BA Graphic Design, Oxford Brookes University; PGCE – University of London UK (Leaving end of Term 1 2012)
Mr J van Niekerk - BA BEd HED FED South Africa