Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/1SOF

What is this course about?
Technology courses at ASHS revolves around authentic, real life situations based within individual, community and global contexts. You will learn to work with variety of soft materials using the design process as a problem solving method in order to create solutions which respond to the needs of an identified stakeholder or client. You will develop an awareness that a sense of social responsibility is at the heart of good technological practice. Courses in soft materials technology support career opportunities within the Fashion and Textile Industry.

NB Courses to run in 2014 will contain a cross departmental structure.

What will I learn?
You will undertake two project based assignments for the year, covering the three strands of the technology currriculum. You will learn to work with soft materials using the technological process as a problem solving method to create solutions which respond to the needs of our dynamic, ever changing society. The first assignment involves skills development and learning about elements and principles of design. The second assignment is based around researching an influential designer, developing a solution and and making a final outcome based on that research which meets the requirements of the brief. Also covered is sustainability - using recycled materials in a new way for example. You will be given the opportunity to produce conceptual designs, undertake experimental work and modelling to produce a prototype or conceptual outcome.

What sorts of things will I do?
Depending on your personal project you may cover, but are not limited to:


 * Research and design


 * Conceptual modelling and material experimentation
 * Skills development
 * Prototype construction
 * Garment construction
 * Report and evaluation writing

Frequently asked questions:

 * What are the expectations of students on this course?
 * This is a demanding course that requires you to provide evidence of the three technology curriculum strands: Technological practice, Nature of technology and Technological knowledge.
 * You will be expected to complete work at home as well as in class.
 * This course is not just sewing! The bookwork is as, if not more, important to gain the achievement standards attached.

Are there any prerequisites for this course?

There are no set prerequisites for Product Design courses at Albany Senior High School. It is however within the nature of the subject area that through the senior years, although students build their abilities using familiar methods of design and production, study will be at ever deeper more sophisticated levels.

There is an expectation that over this time students will move towards greater levels of independence where they are demonstrating enthusiasm, self motivation and perseverance in order to solve authentic design problems within their specialist Technological area. It is therefore advisable that you always speak to the specialist Technology teacher working in your area of interest before making final decisions on course choice.