This is a practical course where students can choose to work with wood, metal or textiles in the design and manufacture of products. This is also a course about ideas, innovation and creativity. In order to do these well, students research and test materials and use strategies to develop innovative and creative ideas. They apply skills of management in planning and implementing a process, at the same time as they manipulate tools and machines to produce high-quality products.

View Syllabus on School Curriculum and Standards Authority Website

Year 11

Unit 1 – Fundamentals of design

Students interact with a variety of items that have been specifically designed to meet certain needs.
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of design. They learn to communicate various aspects of the technology process by constructing what they design. Throughout the process, students learn about the origins, classifications, properties and suitability for purpose of the materials they are using, and are introduced to a range of production equipment and techniques. They develop materials manipulation skills and production management strategies, and are given the opportunity to realise their design ideas through the production of their design project.

Unit 2 – Applying the fundamentals of design

Students interact with products designed for a specific market. They use a range of techniques to gather information about existing products and apply the fundamentals of design. Students learn to conceptualise and communicate their ideas and various aspects of the design process within the context of constructing what they design. Throughout the process, students learn about the origins, classifications, properties and suitability for end use of materials they are working with. Students are introduced to a range of technology skills and are encouraged to generate ideas and realise them through the production of their design projects. They work within a defined environment and learn to use a variety of relevant technologies safely and effectively. Students, in consultation with teachers, select projects of interest and then design and make products suitable for a specific market.

Year 12

Unit 3 – Manufacturing and production skills and technologies

Students develop an understanding of the elements and fundamentals of design and consider human factors involved in the design, production and use of their projects. They develop creative thinking strategies and work on design projects within specified constraints. Students learn about the classification and properties of a variety of materials and make appropriate materials selection for design needs. Students learn about manufacturing and production skills and techniques. They develop the skills and techniques appropriate to the materials being used and gain practice in planning and managing processes through the production of design project. They learn about risk management and ongoing evaluation processes.

Unit 4 – Designing for a client, target audience or market

Students learn about the nature of designing for a client, target audience or market. Students learn about the nature, properties and environmental impacts related to a variety of materials, and production techniques. Students apply an understanding of the elements and fundamentals of design and consider human factors involved in their design projects. They develop creative thinking strategies, work on design projects within specified constraints and consider the environmental impacts of recycling of materials. Students extend their understanding of safe working practices and contemporary manufacturing techniques, and develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required to manage the processes of designing and manufacturing.