Technology has always been an important part of the curriculum at Bredon School. Many pupils who find academic subjects difficult enjoy the chance to excel in these more practical lessons.

Technology is divided into three subject areas: resistant materials & engineering, cookery and textiles. There are separate, fully equipped workshops for woodwork and metalwork, as well as dedicated rooms for cookery and textiles. Over the last few years, we have invested heavily in new equipment in these areas - recently more than £15,000 was used to buy milling machines, for example.

The close supervision made possible by Bredon's small class sizes mean it is possible for youngsters to undertake work, such as welding, that would be considered too ambitious in many other schools.

In years 3-6, youngsters begin to learn about technology through working with their class teachers and joining afternoon activity sessions and clubs. Years 5 & 6 learn basic sewing skills and experience using sequins, buttons and thread. Cookery is already popular with many youngsters at this age, while year 6 pupils first get to grips with engineering and design by building rockets using plastic drinks bottles.

For years 7-9, children have "tasters" of around a term each in resistant materials, engineering, food technology (cookery) and textiles. In years 10 and 11, we offer students the choice of a range of technology GCSEs such as Industrial Technology, Resistant Materials, Catering and Textile Technology. In the Sixth Form, the school offers vocational qualifications such as the AVCE vocational A level and BTEC Nationals. There are frequent opportunities for pupils to put their skills to practical use, such as catering for formal evening dinners or designing costumes for the annual Arts Festival.