Design and Technology

Learners in Years 3 and 4 have been developing skills in measuring and marking materials required for project construction. As a group we are developing skills in using the correct tool name and are learning how it can be used to cut or shape the timber materials for our current and future projects. Learners have been developing skills in using equipment safely. They are currently developing skills in using the jigsaw to cut timber to size and how to finish projects by sanding sharp edges and rounding corners before varnishing. Our projects have focused on small storage boxes and three-dimensional animal sculptures before developing our current project, a small toy that rolls along the ground on wheels.

Learners in Years 5 and 6 have continued to develop skills in using hand tools and equipment to shape materials for project construction. As a group, we have used the design process - investigate, design, make and appraise to help us develop a doorstop, designing 3D animal shapes as part of the idea. In Term 2, students were interested in how the older students worked with metal and welding materials. As a learning focus and introduction to fusion welding, learners developed metal sculptures of animals and people welding materials together and presenting them on a timber base.

Learners in Years 7 to 12 have continued to develop skills in identifying a problem to solve practically, investigating possible solutions and designing ideas and developing their own solution to the problem by drawing ideas on a CAD program and attempting to build and test their idea. Students have focused on developing skills in the metalworking area, learning skills in gas welding using the fusion and braze welding methods and in using the MIG and Stick welding equipment. Learners have continued developing skills in planning and problem-solving, organising materials and project components, shaping materials, and using hand and power tools safely to make timber joints for their individual project idea ranging from small storage boxes, tables, cabinets, chairs and tool boxes.