Materials is a hands-on course where students will have the opportunity to produce a range of challenging and interesting projects. This course introduces students to the following;

• A range of materials to work with such as Wood, Metal and Plastic.
• Skill development in a wide range of tools and processes such as welding, machining, drilling.
• Use of Computer Controlled machinery such as laser cutters, plasma cutters and 3D printers.

With the freedom to develop their own design ideas, this course is rich in problem-solving and design development skills. Students will apply the design cycle to investigate ideas, generate concepts, plan, produce and evaluate designed solutions. There is a strong emphasis on working safely in the workshop setting.

Students will create solutions to problems by:

• Investigating and defining
• Designing
• Producing and implementing
• Evaluating
• Collaborating and managing

The following non-technical Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills will be explicitly taught through the course:

• Research: Information Literacy – Make connections between various sources of information.
• Thinking: Critical Thinking – Propose and evaluate a variety of solutions.
• Self-Management: Affective Skills – Resilience
• Social: Collaboration Skills – Give and receive meaningful feedback.