DESIGN

Design is the subject in which the Middle School students learn the concept of design thinking. Every project we do follows the Design Cycle, which is divided into four phases.

Phase “Inquiring and Analyzing”

This is the moment in which we delve into the challenge. What is it? Why do we have it? Who is involved? Where is it? Is this part of just a group of people, or is it a general problem that everyone can encounter in their lives? Inquiry and Analyzing is a phase full of questions and wonder.

Phase “Evaluating”

This is the moment in which the final solution is applied, and the consequences are evaluated.

Phase “Developing Ideas”

During this phase we start to think through various solutions to the challenge. Usually each student arrives at one or two personal solutions. And, once the solutions are discussed in a classroom setting, it is incredibly rewarding how they interconnect with those of our peers, and may even change. During this phase, there is a great deal of collaboration and active listening.

Phase “Creating the Solution”

Once we finish brainstorming our solutions, a final decision needs to be made. This is the moment when one solution is selected, taking into account many interrelated factors.

A unique feature of this Design Cycle is that there is no starting or finishing point. These phases can be mixed in the process and the fact that it is not a straight line, but a circle, makes everything more interesting and creative for students and teachers.

This year, Middle School students were able to use the Design Cycle on various projects:

• Creating the Carnevale event. Back in February, our Grades 6 and 7 students collaborated together to create an event for the entire K-8 student body. Each of them worked with a partner to build a booth and together they created the Fiera di Carnevale with music, games, dance, and a lot of smiles.

• Creating four new promotional videos for La Scuola, which are being used for promotional and marketing purposes. (Grade 7)

• Organizing the Winter Concert, put on by the school. (Grade 8)

• Creating their own fashion brand. After their trip to Italy, our Grade 8 students came back eager to explore Italian Fashion Design history. Each of them focused on a specific Italian designer and then they built their own brand that was showcased at the La Scuola Exhibit.

• Designing their own house in a specific ecosystem. By exploring the concept of architecture, students learn how space and time are interconnected with the building tradition of a specific region in the world. Each of them had the pleasure to build a sustainable dream house in a specific ecosystem.

Thanks to the Design Cycle, students are the protagonists in their learning process, and they experience how failure can be a learning moment. Students see how to overcome emotions and find different solutions. Students become independent in finding new and creative ways to solve problems.

Our Ateliers Design

Grade

Building a unique fashion brand.