Design and Technology
Writing with Purpose 'If you want to learn something well, explain it!' Richard Feynman One of the nice aspects about Term 2, for the Design and Technology Department is watching students apply their skills in the making of their major projects. The reason for making a project is to improve the lives of others and students are motivated by this intention. Equally important is that students document the processes they have used to complete making. Students understand that the purpose of their writing is to clarify to the reader what they have done and why; how it is most appropriate and the benefits that will be provided. Reference to correct terminology for the techniques, tools, materials andmethods that have been applied; clarifies the student's understanding and conveys a depth of knowledge.
The ability for students to articulate their knowledge clearly in their portfolio is a requisite to perform well. The Design and Technology Department, under the guidance of Visiting Academic Fellow Julia Anstey, has begun to review the tasks and activities that students complete to develop their writing. Julia has provided some fresh insight into how best to reframe activities and tasks in which students engage. The ability to build specific skills that can later be tapped for larger tasks has been a positive move. This fits well within the Barker College Teaching and Learning Framework which is focused on inquiry-based learning – an approach with which students in a practical based learning environment are constantly engaged.
The shaped ribs of the violin are then clamped and glued onto the corner, top and bottom spruce blocks. Care is required so that no glue is applied to the template as it would make the removal of the template more difficult. To ensure that this does not occur, soap is applied to the edges of the template that are in contact with the ribs, because the hide glue will not stick to soap.
Ben Lam (Yr 12) The purfling platform of the violin is marked using a pencil gauge. Two pencil gauges are preferred as the lines must be constantly reapplied as they rub off during the chiselling and gouging process.
Francesca Buffa (Yr 12) Using a ruler and pencil I marked out the joint locations on each edge of the coffee table, ensuring that the dimensions were accurate and aligned with the top and bottom panels. I then set the table saw blade to a 45-degree angle and used a test piece of timber to determine the length of the mitre to be cut.
16 • The Barker • Issue 131 • Winter 2021
I ensured that a fence was positioned so that the cut was made exactly on the corner of the timber. I then adjusted the blade so that it was at 90-degrees and set up the fence so that the rebate could be cut to the correct depth.
