Hard Materials Technology

  Hard Materials Technology

2009  

During the first half of this year the Year 8 students, having been assigned to create their own design of a chest of drawers, were involved in practising again the method used in our trialling of the new curriculum. Each student was asked to explain their scenario requiring some thought needed for an outcome which would resolve a problem they had. They have been taught how to set about deciding on their own need, and then developing their own conceptual statement explaining it in a design brief of their own. They then needed to develop and record their list of specifications. Many very good individual chests of drawers have been made, each with its own special shape, size and function. Students were then required to assess their own work using the booklet for guidance. Improvements to their efforts last year are quite noticeable, as they are now more familiar with the requirements of the design process. 

In the second half of this year our new Year 7 students, are busy formulating the method we have been using to design a system to create a special container. There are many variations of shape and size, and the current students have made good progress with these. A workbook, this time designed for Year 7 students, is used to guide the students through their course of Hard Materials technology. The content is based on the Year 8 booklet, with pages related to any Learning Intentions appropriately inserted, to help with students’ progress. Pencil cases have been a popular theme with students, and have been used as a fill-in project, thereby giving extra value to the introductory course in Hard Materials technology. We are all looking forward to the exciting outcome.  Jim WattamHard Materials Technology