MYP & DP DESIGN THEN AND NOW!

By Brigitte Parr Head of Design

Design has evolved significantly at SFS since its inception with the IB Middle Years Programme. As one of the eight subject groups offered by the IB MYP, design is an integral part of the curriculum.

Initially, the ‘Little Theatre’ in the Middle School on the ground floor was transformed into a single large design space. However, it has now been divided into three separate design spaces, all located in the same area. Within these spaces, students have the opportunity to work with various materials, including textiles, wood, and food, to create tangible products and solutions that address specific needs and problems. These product design courses utilize the design cycle to solve problems through the use of tools, materials, and systems.

In grade 6, students engage in teacher-led design challenges, where the problems and needs are contrived. However, by grade 10, they independently explore complex real-life problems, which are mostly based on the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Combined digital and product design courses are also offered where knowledge, skills, techniques, and materials of both digital and product design are used to develop products and solutions.

The High School also has three design spaces, two product design and one digital design space. Recently, DP Design and Technology was introduced, which has been highly successful and provides a direct pathway for students who wish to pursue DP Design and Technology.

For the upcoming academic year, the school has hired three Middle School design specialist teachers, it is therefore timely to express great appreciation to the Middle School teachers for their tireless dedication and perseverance in teaching design. Until now, all Middle School teachers were responsible for teaching design. While this approach provided a diverse and enriching experience for students, the addition of these specialist design teachers marks an exciting time for the design program, as it will allow for an even more focused and comprehensive instruction for students. This change will further enhance the quality of education and experience that students receive in design.

The school looks forward to continuing to expand and enhance the design programs to foster student creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

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The Next Chapter In The British School