Teacher:
Miss Eyvor Irvine
Introduction
The technologies curriculum area focuses on developing technological skills, knowledge, understanding and attributes through creative, practical and work-related activities. It is an area rich in opportunities for developing the life skills that are recognised as being important for success in the world of work and offer an excellent platform for a range of technology related careers.
In this area young people will develop their creativity, thinking and entrepreneurial skills and be encouraged to become innovative and critical designers of the future through challenging activities involving: research, problem solving, exploration of new and unfamiliar concepts, skills and materials, and the rewarding learning which often results from creating products which have real applications.
Skills
Skills young people will have the opportunity to develop include:
- knowledge and understanding of key concepts in technologies
- curiosity, exploration and problem solving skills
- capacity to work with others and take initiative
- planning and organisational skills
- creativity and innovation
- skills in using tools, equipment, software and materials
- skills in collaborating, leading and interacting with others
- critical thinking through exploration and discovery
- discussion and debate
- searching and retrieving information to inform thinking
- evaluating products, systems and services
- presentation and communication skills
- awareness of sustainability
Assessment
Assessment focuses on practical, problem-solving and collaborative activities which enable children and young people to show that they understand and can use technological skills and knowledge.
Evidence is gathered as part day-to-day learning and through specific assessment tasks. Young people will have opportunities to demonstrate progress in practical model making skills, in planning and carrying out practical investigations and solving problems, in discussing and debating ideas with peers and adults, and in recording and presenting their thinking in different ways.
Young people will be encouraged to show enthusiasm and take on increasingly demanding and challenging concepts to show the depth of their understanding. They will also be expected to work with increasing independence and confidence when carrying out tasks and producing increasingly well-structured explanations and well-argued opinions and conclusions, including developing informed views on environmental, ethical and economic issues.
Course
The four areas with CDEG are:
- Design and manufacture
- Materials
- Graphics
- Engineering
Along with
- Awareness of technological developments and the impact of technologies
In S1 and S2 at Whalsay School the course will include:
- Design – design techniques, designing an item in plastic
- Manufacture – in plastic, wood and metal
- Materials – general properties and sustainability, plastics, woods, metals
- Graphics – poster design, packaging design, sketching, Computer Aided Design
- Engineering – mechanisms, electronics, structures
Progression
In Whalsay School S3 and National courses leading on from Craft, Design, Engineering and Graphics are Design and Manufacture and Graphic Communication. There is more information about these below.
Other National courses leading on from CDEG include Engineering Science and Practical Metalworking and Practical Woodworking, these can be picked up in S5 if young people are interested.
