Technology

DESIGN, CREATIVITY and TECHNOLOGY P-12

In our ever-changing world, new products are being designed and produced at lighting speed. New materials, processes and technologies are constantly evolving. Designers are creating products that cater to our needs and wants. A successful design/product is the marriage of three things: q Good looks/aesthetics q Comfort q Ability to do what it is supposed to do with some degree of innovation. Hopefully, environmental sensitivity will also be considered both in choice of materials and the manufacturing processes. VCE Design and Technology fosters an awareness of the product design industry, the role of the designer and the client and the consumer/ target group. The student takes on the role of a designer to complete a product to the client’s brief. The domain of Design, Creativity and Technology, levels 1-6, (Primary to Year 10) emphasises engagement in designing, creating and evaluating processes, products and technological systems using a range of materials as a way of developing creativity and innovation. At De La Salle, our aim is to provide students with a knowledge of materials, tools and woodworking/metalworking processes and encourage them, through activities in the workshops, to plan, organise, and implement procedures in order to satisfy their educational and material needs. A balanced general education necessitates a knowledge of the ways artisans problem-solve through the use of a variety of materials. This involves a knowledge of terms and techniques, the need to be technically literate, and to appreciate and understand the Design Process.

VCE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The following is a list of activities at each Year level at De La Salle College this year: Year 6 — Salt Box. Year 7 — Book Ends; Pencil Box; Wind Chimes Year 8 — Clay Animation to produce a film. Year 9 — Solitaire, a game based project; Magazine Holder; Metal Tool Box. Year 10 DVD/CD Storage Unit, in the form of a musical instrument. Year 10 Systems and Technology, an additional elective program, Year 10. This program involves activities based on electrical and Mechanical systems; Bridge Construction; Flying Kites; Model Boats; Model Planes; construction sites Cranes and Motorised Vehicles.

This year in Design and Technology, Unit 1 students redesigned and produced a CD rack to a set of specifications to address a design problem. Students explored different construction methods using various species of timber to satisfy a design problem. In Unit 2 students worked as part of a team to redesign the Kinnoull workshop. They developed a folio containing research on materials, development of work plans and evaluation criteria. The students were divided into groups and designed and produced storage areas, work benches and a computer/drawing bench to specifications. In Unit 3 and 4, students worked as a designer, to design and then produce furniture for the theme of an office fit-out. They researched a wide range of furniture ideas including coffee tables, desks, storage units and entertainment units. Students developed different options and then selected a preferred option to make. They developed working drawings and time lines as well as investigating suitable materials and finishes. All students in Design and Technology were taught the safe use of various power tools and equipment to assist them in producing a product to a high standard including all relevant OH&S requirements. Mr Sam Devenish and Mr Anthony Havelock