Creative Design and Technology

Year 7

The Year 7 program introduces the students to a variety of production processes. They learn how to use tools and equipment in a safe manner, by constructing predesigned projects. The projects have been selected because they require the development of specific set of skills. Students will gain an understanding of different resistant materials such as wood, metal and plastics and introduced to relevant technology skills which include the use of; hand tools and portable machines tools. Students’ apply creativity, innovation and thinking skills combined with technology to generate original ideas to produce a realistic solution with the aid of 2D and 3D drafting software.

Year 8

In Year 8 the students are required to expand on the skills they developed in year 7.  The students will build confidence and independence through skill-building exercises to allow the students to select, use tools and machinery correctly and safely to develop working solutions and projects.  Students will gain an understanding of different resistant materials and will be introduced to relevant technology skills which include the use of; hand tools, power tools and portable machines. Basic drafting software, like Tinker Cad, will be used to give students a head start with programs used in the production and design industry with real-world applications.

Year 9

PRODUCT DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY

The Year 9 Product Design and Technology course is an introduction unit for students who have limited experience in the manufacturing of material products. Students learn and apply the fundamentals of design to develop and manufacture product and small projects for themselves. They learn to produce working drawings and follow the basics of the design process to assist them in their manufacturing. Students will gain an understanding of different resistant materials and will be introduced to relevant technological skills which include the use of; hand tools, power tools and machines. Students’ apply creativity, innovation and thinking skills combined with technology to generate original ideas to produce a realistic solution with the aid of 2D and 3D drafting software. The students can resolve problems and consider the advantages and disadvantages before committing to building a physical prototype/project.

MECHATRONICS and ENGINEERING

This course introduces students to robotics and automation and is designed to promote enterprise, initiative and skills in mechanical and electrical engineering. Students will have the opportunity to solve problems, design solutions and work in a fun, practical environment. Robotics and automation is the practical application, which is rapidly growing in importance for industrial, domestic and entertainment applications. Students will be encouraged to design and engineer practical solutions to solve realistic and challenging problems. Students have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in electronics, mechanics, simple engineering, electrical circuits and applied mathematics to solve student-centred open-ended tasks.

Year 10

PRODUCT DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY

The Product Design and Technology course is a practical course for the most part. The course allows students the chance to explore and work using resistant materials, with the design and manufacture of products as the primary focus. There is also the flexibility to incorporate additional materials from outside the designated context. This will enhance and complement the knowledge and skills developed within the course as many modern-day products are manufactured using a range of different material types. Students use their research, creativity, innovation and thinking skills combined with technology to generate original ideas to produce a realistic solution with the aid of 2D and 3D drafting software. Working with materials, students develop a range of manipulation, processing, manufacturing and organisational skills. When designing with materials, they develop cognitive skills; such as solving problems, generating ideas, creative design strategies and communicating what they do. This makes them more technologically literate and as consumers, enables them to make more informed decisions about the use and misuse of technology.

MECHATRONICS and ENGINEERING

Mechatronics and Engineering systems is a practical course focusing on real life engineering solutions. It is designed to prepare students for a future in the technological world by providing the foundation for life-long learning about systems engineering.

Mechatronics and Engineering systems provides a focus on practical design through creative and industry relevant opportunities that enable students to investigate, research and construct systems based engineering products. This subject provides students with opportunities to apply engineering, programming and electronic processes; understand underpinning scientific and mathematical principles and develop engineering, electronic and robotic technology skills.

Year 11 & 12

PRODUCT DESIGN and TECHNOLOGY

Course Description:

Product design is part of people’s responses to changing needs to improve quality of life by designing and creating artifacts. Product design is enhanced through knowledge of social, technological, economic, historic, ethical, legal, environmental and cultural factors. These factors affect the aesthetics, form and function of products developed in the past and those yet to be developed. Central to VCE Product Design and Technology, is the Product design process, which provides a structure for students to develop effective design practice. The design process involves identification of a real need that is then articulated in a design brief. The need is investigated and informed by research to aid the development of solutions that take the form of physical, three-dimensional functional products. Development of these solutions requires the application of technology and a variety of cognitive and physical skills, including creative design thinking, drawing and computer-aided design, testing processes and materials, planning, construction, fabrication and evaluation.

Unit 1: Semester 1

Product re-design and sustainability
This unit focuses on the analysis, modification and improvement of product design. It provides a structured approach towards the design process, and looks at examples of design practice used by a designer. The students examine the tools, processes and techniques and knowledge used by a designer to develop a solution to a specific problem.

On completion of the unit, students should be able to: use methods and processes used by the designer to design and manufacture a product. They should know how to use and evaluate the use of materials, tools, equipment and processes applied in the production of a product.

Unit 2: Semester 2

Collaborative Design
In this unit student’s work as a member of a team to develop a product range or contribute to the design and production of a group product. This mirrors professional design practice where designers often work within a multidisciplinary team to develop a solution to design problems. The students learn about restrictions and parameters within design set by the end-user’s needs, producer’s requirements, social conventions and environmental concerns. This unit focuses on the impact of these factors on the design solution.

On completion of this unit students should be able to: work as a member of a team to identify a need and use a structured approach to problem-solving. They should know how to justify, manage, safely use and evaluate appropriate production processes.

 Unit 3: Semester 1

Applying the Product design process
This unit focuses on the design and development of a product for the mass market. It requires students to design for others. Product development in industry is investigated through the study of ways of establishing needs and other considerations that are observed when developing the design and product for a client.

On completion of this unit students should be able to: explain the role of the designer and how products are designed and produced to meet the needs of a client. They also need to explain how products are designed and produced within an industrial/commercial setting. Finally students are asked to develop a product for a client.

Unit 4: Semester 2

Product Development and Evaluation
This unit focuses on how judgements about the success of products can be informed by a comparison in terms of a product’s quality, usefulness and appeal. The role and influence of product promotion and marketing are also considered.

On completion of this unit students should be able to: explain the relationships linking aesthetic appeal, function of products and user needs. They need to develop a product for a client and evaluate the final design and production in relation to the needs of the client.

ASSESSMENT
1. Coursework – (20%)
2. School Assessed Task (50%)
3. Examination (30%)