Design, Creativity and Technology Level 5 (Years 7 and 8)
Learning focus
As students work towards the achievement of Level 5 standards in Design, Creativity and Technology, they individually and in teams, develop innovative solutions in design and technology contexts (for example, creating a low-fat biscuit and designing a three-dimensional, environmentally-friendly package for eight of the biscuits) and evaluate their decisions with reference to design brief specifications. They develop greater spatial awareness, are encouraged to think flexibly, and represent their ideas using two- and three-dimensional hand- and computer-assisted drawing and modelling techniques including the use of appropriate technical language. They further explore the properties and characteristics of materials/ingredients, and carry out tests to determine their suitability for intended products and/or systems.
In developing their understanding of systems, students learn about open- and closed-loop systems, and their control and the components used to make basic automated system; and energy sources (renewable and non-renewable) and forms that power systems. They explore how technological systems can convert energy and magnify force.
Students learn how design elements and principles can enhance their design work. Students refer to design briefs to consider and investigate aspects of function and aesthetics. They also consider how social, cultural, economic and environmental factors influence the development of their design ideas. They trial and make products and systems based on their design concepts, justifying changes in their thinking as they design, develop and evaluate products and systems, and recognise the right of others to perceive things differently.
Students further develop an understanding of the creative problem solving process. Individually and collaboratively, they apply imaginative and innovative strategies to develop creative design options, including those that are not immediately obvious, and plans for production.
Students continue to develop a variety of drawing and modelling techniques and computer assisted methods to visualise design ideas and concepts, and generate alternative options. After selecting and justifying the best design option, they develop a logically sequenced outline of the major stages of production and a list of materials/ingredients and/or systems components and quantities required. Students use numeracy skills to calculate quantities, sizes and/or expected outputs. They produce the product/system, using tools, equipment, machines and materials/ingredients safely and wear personal protective clothing and equipment if appropriate. Students develop a basic understanding of the risk assessment process. With direction, they choose and use increasingly complex production techniques and equipment; for example, a soldering iron, wire cutters, a food processor and electric beater, a hand plane, pedestal drill, overlocker, and report faults with tools and equipment. They reflect on and record the progress of their production activities, and make changes if required.
Concentrating on the aesthetic, functional features and/or performance of the product/system, students consider how it, and the processes used to develop it, could be improved, and compare it to other similar products/systems. They discuss and develop evaluation criteria to analyse and evaluate their completed product/system and consider the social and environmental impacts of their own and others’ products. They analyse and evaluate an innovative, recently developed and commercially available product or system and consider its benefits and drawbacks to user/consumer and manufacturer/producer.
Standards
Investigating and designing
At Level 5, students use various strategies and sources of information to investigate and research a range of factors relevant to more sophisticated design briefs to which they have contributed. During the design process they clarify their understanding of design brief requirements and their design ideas by gathering, responding to and providing feedback to others. They develop evaluation criteria from the design brief to inform their judgments during the design process. They use a variety of drawing and modelling techniques to visualise design ideas and concepts. Students demonstrate understanding of design elements and principles and use appropriate technical language.
Students understand and logically sequence major stages of production, and calculate and list materials/ingredients and quantities needed for production. They record and communicate their ideas using a variety of media that includes information and communications technology equipment, techniques and procedures.
Producing
At Level 5, students work safely/hygienically with a range of tools and equipment, including some which are complex, and manage materials/ingredients, components and processes to produce products and systems, taking full account of the appropriateness of their properties, characteristics or expected outputs in meeting requirements of design briefs.
They make modifications during production, providing a sound explanation for changes that demonstrates reflection, research, responsiveness to feedback, and use of evaluation criteria.
Analysing and evaluating
At Level 5, students select appropriate equipment and techniques to safely test and evaluate the performance of their products/systems. They suggest modifications to improve their products/systems in light of evaluation of their performance, function and appearance. They recommend improvements to the performance, function and appearance of others’ product/systems. They describe and analyse the social and environmental impacts of their own and others’ designs, products and technological systems.
Downloads
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Design, Creativity and Technology booklet (
PDF - 247KB) - Design, Creativity and Technology standards table (Doc - 47KB)
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Victorian Essential Learning Standards Level 5 ( PDF - 755KB)
