Technical & Outdoor Learning

Broad General Education S1 & S2

The Technical BGE covers a broad range of experiences and outcomes that aim to prepare pupils for the National Qualifications taught in Mearns Academy as they move further up the school. The curriculum in S1 and S2 is broken down into three main areas of study:

-          Practical

-          Design

-          Graphics

S1 pupils are timetabled one period a week in a school workshop. Projects undertaken will develop practical skills using a range of materials and will develop an understanding of the design process.

In S2 pupils are timetabled for two periods a week in Technologies. Pupils will continue to receive one period a week in the workshop where they will continue to develop their practical and design-based skills. The second period each week will be timetabled in a computer graphics room. Here pupils will develop manual and computer graphic techniques using industry standard software in Desktop Publishing and Computer Aided Design.

Broad General Education S3

In S3 pupils can choose to continue with their studies within the Technical & Outdoor Learning Faculty.

There are three courses on offer in S3 that will help further prepare pupils for National Qualifications at Senior Phase:

S3 Practical Woodwork and Metalwork

This a practical based course that will further develop pupil’s practical skills in measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping, machining and finishing projects in both wood and metal. Pupils will develop a deeper knowledge of theory relating to hand and machine tools, shaping and assembly techniques and material uses.

This course is designed to prepare pupils for further study of the following National Qualifications:

N4 Practical Woodworking → N5 Practical Woodworking

N4 Practical Metalworking → N5 Practical Metalworking 

S3 Design & Manufacture

This course is an even split between practical and creative design work. Pupils will further develop their knowledge and understanding of the design process through the design and manufacture of products from design brief through to finished model.

This course is designed to prepare pupils for further study of the following National Qualifications:

N4 Design & Manufacture → N5 Design & Manufacture → Higher Design & Manufacture

S3 Graphic Communication

This course will develop pupil’s skills in creating 2D and 3D graphics for use in a variety of contexts. Pupils will learn how to read technical drawings, create visual impact and use both manual and digital techniques to produce graphics. This course is designed to prepare pupils for further study of the following National Qualifications:

N4 Graphic Communication → N5 Graphic Communication → Higher Graphic Communication

Senior Phase

There are five National Qualification subject areas on offer at Senior Phase within the Technical & Outdoor Learning Faculty:

Practical Woodworking [National 4 & National 5]

This course is largely workshop-based, combining elements of theory and practical woodworking techniques.

The course allows pupils to develop practical skills, knowledge and understanding of woodworking through SQA Units in Flat-frame Construction, Carcase Construction and Machining and Finishing. Pupils are introduced to safe working practices and become proactive in matters of health and safety. They will learn how to use a range of tools, equipment and materials safely and correctly.

Practical Metalworking [National 4 & National 5]

Due to the increased level of difficulty and challenge when working with metal this course is ideally recommended for S5/6 pupils who have already achieved National 5 Practical Woodworking. This course is largely workshop-based, combining elements of theory and practical metalworking techniques.

The course provides opportunities for pupils to gain a range of knowledge and practical metalworking skills relating to tools, equipment, processes and materials. Pupils will develop skills through SQA Units in Bench skills, Machine processes, Fabrication and thermal joining. Pupils are introduced to safe working practices and become proactive in matters of health and safety.

Design & Manufacture [National 4, National 5, Higher & Advanced Higher]

This course provides opportunities for pupils to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to design and manufacture products to meet the needs of a design brief.  The course is taught through a combination of theory and practical based learning.
The course enables pupils to develop creativity and problem-solving skills when designing products to meet the needs of a brief, and practical skills when manufacturing solutions. The course encourages self-directed learning through the interpretation of a design brief, the generation and development of suitable ideas, and the application of experience and knowledge to justify decisions made.

Graphic Communication [National 4, National 5, Higher]

This course provides opportunities for pupils to develop skills in reading, interpreting and creating a range of 2D and 3D graphics using both manual and digital techniques. The course is practical and creative in nature and combines elements of professional standards for graphic communication, elements of graphic design and the methods used to create visual impact.

Through extended units of work pupils will learn to plan, create and communicate ideas graphically, using a range of manual techniques and industry standard digital software. The course provides opportunity to develop creativity and design skills alongside an understanding of graphic communication standards, protocols and conventions.

Bee Keeping [Level 5 NPA]

This course introduces pupils to beekeeping through a combination of theory and practical based learning.

Over the course of three SQA Units pupils will learn about the equipment and tools used to keep bees and the techniques used to subdue and manage them. Pupils will learn the science and practice of beekeeping, the theory related to the plants, pests and diseases that can effect bees and the importance of bees to the wider agricultural economy. Pupils will gain hands-on practical experience working with the bees within the school apiary.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Makers Club

The School Makers Club offers an exciting opportunity for pupils in S3-S6 to unleash their creativity and work on self-directed projects within the school’s fully equipped workshop space.

Whether you're interested in woodworking, electronics, design, or crafting, this club is the perfect environment to explore new ideas and bring them to life.

Pupils will receive guidance and support from experienced staff to help foster their creativity, enhance their practical skills, and bring their unique creations to life.

Pathways and Career Links:

Studying technical subjects like Practical Woodwork, Practical Metalwork, Design & Manufacture, and Graphic Communication in Scottish secondary schools can lead to a wide range of career and university pathways. These subjects provide hands-on skills, problem-solving abilities, and technical knowledge that are valuable in various industries.

Career Pathways:

Many students who study these subjects go into skilled trades, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design-related careers. Here are some specific career options:

Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships

• Joinery/Carpentry

• Metal Fabrication/Welding

• Plumbing

• Electrician

• Bricklaying

• Stonemasonry

• Roofing

• Painting & Decorating

• Heating & Ventilation Engineering

Pathway: Many students enter Modern Apprenticeships after National 4/5s or Highers, where they earn while they learn.

Engineering & Manufacturing

• Mechanical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Structural Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Product Design

• Manufacturing Engineering

University & College Pathways:

Depending on the level of study in school, students may progress to further education through:

Scottish Colleges (HNC/HND)

Colleges across Scotland offer vocational and technical courses that can lead to apprenticeships or direct employment, such as:

• HNC/HND in Engineering Disciplines

• HNC/HND in Construction Management

• HND in Product Design

• HNC in Graphic Design

• Furniture Design & Craftsmanship

• Built Environment Studies

Scottish Universities (Degree Pathways)

For students taking Highers and Advanced Highers in related subjects, university degrees in these areas are available:

• BEng/MEng in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or Structural Engineering

• BSc in Product Design Engineering

• BA/BSc in Architecture

• BDes in Industrial/Product Design

• BA Graphic Design

Some universities also offer art and design-focused courses that accept students with a strong portfolio from subjects like Graphic Communication and Design & Manufacture.

Useful Resources / Website Links

• Education Scotland – Technologies
  https://education.gov.scot
  Guidance on Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) for technical subjects.

• SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) – Technical Subjects
  https://www.sqa.org.uk
  Official course specifications, assessment guidelines, and past papers.

• STEM Scotland
  https://www.stem.org.uk
  Resources, CPD opportunities, and STEM learning materials.

• BBC Bitesize – Design & Technology
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvg4d2p
  Interactive learning tools for technical education topics.