Design & Technology

Welcome to the Portlethen Academy Faculty of Design & Technology.

The Faculty of Design and Technology is committed to delivering a dynamic and inclusive curriculum that aligns with the principles of Curriculum for Excellence. Our aim is to empower pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a rapidly evolving technological world.

Our key aims are to:

·       Foster creativity and innovation by encouraging learners to think creatively and develop imaginative solutions to real-world challenges through engaging design and problem-solving activities.

·       Develop practical and technical skills by providing opportunities for pupils to acquire and refine a broad range of practical and technical skills in areas such as craft, design, engineering, and digital technologies.

·       Promote critical thinking and analytical skills by supporting students in evaluating design processes and outcomes, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve their work through reflection and feedback.

·       Enhance technological understanding by building learners’ awareness of the role and impact of technology in society, economically, and the environment, promoting informed and responsible citizenship.

·       Support interdisciplinary and applied learning by integrating concepts from science, mathematics, computing, and the expressive arts to provide rich, contextualised learning experiences.

·       Preparing pupils for future pathways offering progression routes into Higher and Further Education, Apprenticeships, and careers in design, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and other STEM-related fields.

·       Promote sustainability and ethical responsibility to instil an understanding of sustainable design principles and encourage ethical consideration in materials selection, production methods, and environmental impact.

Through these aims, we strive to nurture confident, capable, and creative individuals who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

 Meet the team:

Our passionate and experienced team of teachers brings creativity, energy, and a strong foundation in Design and Technology to every lesson.

Mrs J Leonard Stewart, Principal Teacher of Faculty, returned to Portlethen High School as PT after previously spending over 13 years at the school. She holds qualifications in both Architecture and Industrial Design and worked in an architectural practice before moving into education. With around 20 years of experience teaching across the full range of Design & Technology subjects, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the faculty. Mrs Leonard Stewart has also contributed to national qualifications through her previous work with the SQA, where she has been involved in marking, verification, and development of marking schemes for Higher Product Design and National/Higher Design & Manufacture.

Miss M Taylor studied Architecture before completing a PGDE in Technological Education and began her teaching journey at Portlethen Academy during her placement. After gaining valuable experience teaching in schools across Aberdeenshire, she returned to Portlethen in 2023. Miss Taylor brings strong skills in graphics and woodworking and currently serves as a marker for the Higher Graphic Communication Assignment, demonstrating her detailed understanding of national assessment standards.

Mr N Hunter (Part Time - Higher Engineering Science & Engineering Pathways only) a Portlethen Academy veteran who has over 30 years Design & Technology teaching experience.  We are very pleased to have encouraged him out of retirement to assist with delivery of Engineering courses for a third session.  He also works as a remote teacher for Highland Council.

What we offer:

Broad General Education courses include craft, design, graphics and engineering.  In S3 pupils have the option to select Engineering Science, Graphic Communication, Practical Technologies and/or National 5 Girls in Energy.

Senior Phase courses Engineering Science, Graphic Communication, Practical Metalworking and Practical Woodworking. 

In partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and/or NESCol, we offer a range of alternative courses, including S3 Girls in Energy, Foundation Apprenticeship in Construction Crafts, and Engineering Pathways courses.

CURRICULUM MAP FOR S1, S2 & S3