ABOUT:
The
Design subject focuses on the application of design thinking to envisage
creative products, services and environments in response to human needs, wants
and opportunities. Designing is a complex and sophisticated form of
problem-solving that uses divergent and convergent thinking strategies that can
be practised and improved.
AT ALDRIDGE:
We offer Design as a specific subject in Grades 10, 11 and 12.
WHY STUDY DESIGN?
Design
is an area of study that can overlap and enhance with other subject offerings.
It encourages students to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.
UNITS OF STUDY:
Year 10
UNIT
| TIME
| NAME
| DESCRIPTION
|
| 1 | Term 1 | Experiencing design | Students look at how designers use drawing and low fidelity prototyping skills to devise ideas. |
| 2 | Term 2 | Design process | Introduction to the design process itself. |
| 3 | Term 3 | Design styles | Students are asked to think about how design styles have informed contemporary practice. |
| 4 | Term 4 | Design project | The project will be a design challenge that will draw on the students developed knowledge and understanding of design. |
In years 11 & 12 Design is a General subject and is used to award students their ATAR rank. Four units of work are spread over two years. Assessment instruments used are projects and examinations – design challenges.
UNIT
| TIME
| NAME
| DESCRIPTION |
| 1 | 15 weeks | Design in Practice | In Unit 1, students learn about and experience designing in the context of design in practice. Fundamental to design in practice is the principle that design is a purposeful process undertaken by designers in response to identified needs, wants and opportunities. |
| 2 | 15 weeks | Commercial Design | Students will learn about and experience designing in the context of commercial design. In this area design is a commercial endeavour that requires designers to respond to the needs and wants of clients. |
| 3 | 17 weeks | Human Centred Design | Unit 3 will require students to learn about and experience designing with a focus on human-centred design (HCD). Fundamental to HCD is the idea that a designer considers human needs and wants as a higher priority. |
| 4 | 20 weeks | Sustainable Design | This unit will expose the students to designing within the context of sustainable design. Here designers should create new designs that can be supported in terms of their economic, social and ecological impact on the wellbeing of people. |
PATHWAYS:
Design is a General subject suited to students who are interested in pathways beyond school that lead to tertiary studies, vocational education or work. A course of study in Design can lead to further education and employment in the fields of architecture, digital media, fashion, graphic, industrial and interior design.