Materials Design and Technology (Wood or Metal) General

James AnthonyDecember 4, 2017June 27, 2019

The Materials Design and Technology General course is a practical course. The course allows teachers the choice to explore and use three materials-learning contexts, with the design and manufacture of products as the major focus. There is also the flexibility to incorporate additional materials from outside the designated contexts. This will enhance and complement the knowledge and skills developed within the course as many modern-day products are manufactured using a range of different material types. Students examine social and cultural values and the short-term and long-term impacts of the use and misuse of materials and associated technologies. Through this inquiry, experimentation and research, students develop their creativity and understanding of the society in which they live.

The Materials Design and Technology General course aims to prepare all students for a future in a technological and material world by providing the foundation for lifelong learning about how products are designed and how materials are developed and used.

Year 11 General Course

Unit 1

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

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.

Assessments

Design (Written)
Students apply a design process to develop a product or project. Students are assessed on how they:
- investigate products or projects
- devise, develop and modify design solutions throughout the technology process
- present their findings in written, oral or multimedia form
Production (Practical)
Internal Assessments

Extended and manufacturing project(s) where students control, evaluate and manage processes.

Students are assessed on their:
- understanding, confidence and competence when using skills in manufacturing processes and when managing production plans
- manufactured product in terms of quality and finish. Response (Written)
Students apply their knowledge and skills in responding to a series of stimuli or prompts in the following formats: examinations, essays, oral responses, ICT visual responses and product evaluation reports.

The Materials Design and Technology General course is designed to facilitate achievement of the following outcomes:
- Technology process
- Understanding the use of materials
- Using technology skills
- Understanding materials, society and the environment
External Assessments

Types of assessment will include:
- 25% Design (Practical Folio)
- 50% Production Practical
- 10% Response
Externally Set Task
15%
Developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority

Year 12 General Course

Unit 3

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

Students learn about the nature of designing for a client, target audience or market. Students apply an understanding of the elements and fundamentals of design and consider human factors involved in their design projects. Students learn about the nature, properties and environmental impacts related to a variety of materials and production techniques. 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.

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