Design and Technology

Grade 6's testing their board games which were designed by themselves as part of a team project.

What’s on in Design Tech!

The Robotics Lab has six dedicated computers with an infrared link to each of the programmable Robotic Chips.  The Grade 7’s are required to design a programme and to make a robot that will satisfy some set of requirements.  The room also has two video editing suites.

The Grade 6 boys make micro-electronic alarm circuits.  Here they learn how to solder many of the most commonly used electronic components. 

The Grade 5’s complete a food technology module in which they re-invent the humble hamburger whilst studying foods from other countries.  They then do a full cost assessment and calculate whether or not they might be able to go into business.

The grade 3’s and 4’s move through smaller “focussed tasks”.  Here they learn specific skills that will be utilized for many years.

Design and Technology is by necessity, a dynamic and changing subject. Each year the curriculum grows to include new equipment and topics. Wherever possible, cross-curricular links are formed to entrench and enrich the learner's classroom experience. The centre has the facility to offer every boy, from grade 3 to grade7, tuition in the following areas:

  1. Food technology;
  2. Electronics;
  3. Robotics- computer programming and problem solving;
  4. Lego Dacta- pneumatics, mechanics and micro-electronics;
  5. Mechanical and structural challenge based projects;
  6. Textile technology- closely linked to art projects;
  7. Computer assisted design;
  8. Graphics and technical drawing;
  9. Plastics- moulding and forming;
  10. Video editing and mixing.

A typical project starts with discussion of a problem or challenge. Here the boys may be taught a specific skill or concept. The learners then design a few possible solutions, estimate materials required, price and plan the weekly progress. They then move to the extensive workshop facility to make their artefact. Testing and modifying is the next phase, whereafter they work on its aesthetic qualities prior to its evaluation either by his peer group or teacher. The emphasis in the higher grades is on self-sufficiency, innovation and self-evaluation. These, coupled to the exposure to new skills and entrepreneurship, offers a wonderful opportunity for gaining life skills and career guidance.

   
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