Albany Senior High School/Coursebook/2SOF

What is this course about?
Technology courses at ASHS revolve 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?
The Year 12 Soft Materials programme builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Year 11. You will work with soft materials; using a technological process as a problem solving method to create solutions which respond to the needs of our dynamic, ever changing society. Overarching this will be an awareness of and ability to develop pracises that are sustainable, giving due consideration to our natural environment and it's limited resources.

The year is divided into 3 projects. The first project is exploratory (students will research a design movement) and builds skills and knowledge whilst developing a conceptual outcome within the constraints of a given brief. The second project will introduce pattern adaptation and further extend students practical skills. From this starting point students will design and construct an outcome of their choice provided it fits the brief. All outcomes will demonstrate creativity and flair as well as being suitable for the purpose intended. The third unit is research based and will explore fibre and fabric properties and why they are selected for use.

What sorts of things will I do?
You will develop advanced construction skills, including pattern adaptation, and gain a deeper understanding of fabric properties and how they influence fabric selection. You will also explore issues relevant to a design movement or era and use your research to design and develop a conceptual outcome to meet a refined brief.

Depending on your personal project you may cover, but are not limited to:


 * Research, design development and refinement within the context of a brief
 * Conceptual development which will include drawing (sketching &amp; working drawings) and storyboards
 * Investigation of existing products on the market
 * Deconstruction activity
 * Study of technologists
 * Investigation into fibre and fabric properties and suitability for end product (fit for purpose)
 * Pattern drafting or pattern adaptation
 * Construction, to include testing,trialling and evaluating materials suitable for use
 * Report writing and evaluations

Frequently asked questions:
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.