Middle School Subjects – Design and Technologies

Design and Technology is the outworking of our understanding that we are made in God’s image and as a result, we are creative beings.

This subject enables students to discover their creative essence to develop design solutions to address a need or problem. Students also communicate concepts with others using various technologies. Students investigate, plan, produce and evaluate various projects, while considering what impact their design has on themselves, others and the environment.

Students use natural and produced materials, becoming familiar with both traditional and emerging technologies to create functional projects. As students move through Middle School they encounter problems of increasing complexity which need critical thinking to produce creative solutions.

Year 7

In Year 7 Design and Technology, students acquire skills and knowledge in 3 learning areas:

  • Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
  • Direct Current Electronics
  • Small Timber Project with Hand Tools

Students will explore various planning frameworks within the Investigation, Design, Production and Evaluation project lifecycle.

Year 8

Prerequisite: Year 7 Design & Technology

Year 8 Design and Technology is an elective subject. Students will build on skills learned from Year 7, and continue in the 3 major learning areas:

  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Analogue Electronics
  • Materials: LED Lamp Design and Production

Students will explore various planning frameworks within the Investigation, Design, Production and Evaluation project lifecycle.

Students who have completed the course could continue undertaking the following pathways at Emmaus:

Year 9 - Materials

Prerequisites: nil
Assumed knowledge: Year 8 Design & Technology

Course Summary:

Students apply practical skills in designing and manufacturing a number of different products using materials.

Students who have completed the course could continue undertaking the following pathways at Emmaus:

Course Content:

  • Safety with workshop machines, hand tools and portable power tools.
  • Simple Timber construction
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Press mold and vacuum forming

Assessments:

  • Specialised Skill Tasks
  • Major Project (including Design Process and Evaluation)

Year 9 - Electronics & Computer Aided Manufacturing (9 eCAM)

Prerequisites: nil
Assumed knowledge: Year 8 Design & Technology

Course Summary

This subject aims to develop students’ practical skills in Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), electronics knowledge and practical skills. Students also develop project management skills through the Design and Realisation processes.

Class activities may include:

  • Practical activities in constructing CAD models and physical electrical circuits
  • Problem solving, testing, validating and fault finding
  • Project based learning
  • Technical analysis

Students who have completed the course could continue undertaking the following pathways within the SACE framework at Emmaus:

Course Content:

  • Computer Aided Design/Manufacturing (CAD Fabrication & Assembly)
  • Soldering on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
  • CAM Design using the Desktop Cutter

Assessments:

  • Specialised Skill Tasks
  • Major Project (including Design Process and Evaluation)