Technology and DVC

Design Technology (DET) – NCEA Level 1

Minimum Entry Standard: Although achievement in Year 10 Design Technology or DVC is recommended, there are no specific entry requirements. 

Level 1 Design Technology encourages students to think critically about the man-made world both as designer-makers and consumers. The first project explores a Context and develops the skills necessary to identify issues and potential solutions. A prototype is built and tested resulting in a detailed analysis and appreciation of products being fit for purpose. The conceptual design project develops understanding of sustainable design utilising modern day manufacturing techniques of 3D printing and lasercutting technologies. It uses a variety of CAD software to develop products and 3D modelling to test design ideas. There are no end of year exams, instead all coursework counts towards assessment with a written technical report being compiled throughout the year. Design Technology feeds into a range of careers, including Engineering, Research and Development, Manufacturing, Civil Construction, Building Construction and Product Design but also develops the critical thinking and research analysis skills necessary to excel in a wide range of professions. The attention to 3D printing prepares students for the rapidly changing career profile empowering them to excel in the global market.

Course Content:  Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

Progression to NCEA Level 2: Entry to the Level 2 course requires achievement of at least 14 credits in Level 1 Design Technology. 

FAQ:

1. I didn’t take Year 10 Technology, can I still take it at Year 11?
Yes. Although the skills acquired in Year 10 are helpful, you will not be disadvantaged as all subject knowledge is covered in the Year 11 course

2. What kind of career can studying Technology help me with?
In the past, Technology has been seen as a pathway into the trades and whilst this is still an option, the way Technology is taught means you will acquire skills in research, development and critical analysis that are sought after character skills for a wide range of high-level careers.

3. Can I take Technology and DVC, and is it beneficial?
You can take both and many students do. The subjects compliment each other very well as they cover the same Curriculum area, however you can be successful in either subject without taking the other. Consider the overall workload as these are both portfolio based subjects, with no end of Year exams. Keeping up to date with work throughout the Year is important.

4. What do we do in Level 1 Technology?
There are two projects. Term 1 is a research and design assignment, followed by a practical build of your design idea. The second project is a research and modelling assignment. There is also a written technical report about the materials you choose to use.

5. Can I get a subject endorsement?
Yes. There is an externally assessed written report which is completed in class. These 4 credits could count towards an endorsement.

Design & Visual Communication (DVC) – NCEA Level 1

Minimum Entry Standard: A satisfactory level of achievement in Year 10 DVC. 

Students work on two projects in Level 1 Design and Visual Communication, consolidating their learning from Year 9 and 10. Both Product Design and Architectural Design are covered during the year with a focus on research and design idea creation whilst developing the ability to work on freehand drawing techniques, orthographic and 3D formal drawing principles. Study in DVC can lead into a range of careers, including Architectural and Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Engineering, Research and Development, Manufacturing, Building Technologies and Product Design but also develops critical thinking and research analysis skills necessary to excel in a wide range of professions.

Course Content:  Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

Progression to NCEA Level 2: To study DVC at Level 2 it will be necessary to have achieved 14 credits in Level 1 DVC. 

FAQ:

1. I didn’t take Year 10 DVC, can I still take it at Year 11?
You can, however you will find a lot of the Year 11 content difficult. It is advisable to spend some time in the summer holidays practicing some technical drawing techniques. Ask a DVC teacher to give you some worksheets to practice your skills.

2. What kind of career can studying DVC help me with?
There is a wide range of careers DVC could help with. In particular, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Graphic Design and Architecture.

3. Can I take Technology and DVC, and is it beneficial?
You can take both and many student do. The subjects compliment each other very well as they cover the same Curriculum area, however you can be successful in either subject without taking the other. Consider the overall workload as these are both portfolio based subjects with no end of year exams. Keeping up to date with work throughout the year is important.

Design Technology (DET) – NCEA Level 2

Minimum Entry Standard: 14 credits in Level 1 Design Technology. 

The course revolves around one project to manufacture a mini motorbike to compete in the end of year race. Students learn how to interpret engineering drawings and utilise a range of steel fabrication technical processes such as fitting/turning and welding along with basic mechanics. During the project, students also further develop their research and design brief development skills and focus on project management techniques in the planning of the project. The course is designed to add to the repertoire of skills with enhanced quality and accuracy of built outcomes in preparation for Level 3 Design Technology. The project management assessment empowers students to utilise real-time planning to see the project through to a successful conclusion; a skill most useful for future life decisions and career advancement. The nature of the course suits students wishing to work towards the rigors of Level 3 study and beyond to tertiary education and equally those looking to move into apprenticeships.

Course Content:  Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

Progression to NCEA Level 3:Entry to the Level 3 course requires achievement of at least 14 credits in Level 2 Design Technology. 

FAQ:

1. I didn’t take Year 11 Technology, can I take it at Year 12?
Unfortunately not. There is a clear path of learning throughout the three levels and attempting to miss a Year level would put you at too much of a disadvantage.

2. Will we still be doing the motorbike project?
Yes.

3. Is that the only project at Level 2?
Term 1 is a research project leading into the motorbike design and build assessment. A project management and planning assessment runs concurrently. Mid way through the Year an external assessment is completed, which is a written report about sustainability in Design.

4. Can I get a subject endorsement?
Yes. There are three internal assessments and one external assessment, giving you access to subject endorsements.

5. I’m thinking about either Engineering or Industrial Design for my future. Will studying Technology help, and what other subjects should I take?
Technology will help with both of these career/University pathways. Industrial Design can be aided with Visual Art or Design and Engineering requires knowledge of Calculus and Physics.

6. I’m worried I won’t get the 12 credits needed to move into Level 3 Technology due to the Covid-19 issues. Do I need to choose another subject?
It is understandable that for reasons beyond our control the academic performance this Year has been hindered. Your acceptance onto the course next Year will be based on your overall ability to succeed in the subject area rather than number of credits achieved. Each student will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Design & Visual Communication (DVC) - NCEA Level 2

Minimum Entry Standard: 14 credits in Level 1 DVC. 

In Level 2 Design and Visual Communication, students solve problems related to the main areas of study: Spatial, Product and Presentation Design. Drawing is a key element of the course, and through this, students can respond imaginatively and appropriately to a range of set briefs. Informal drawing such as sketching allows students to explore and express their ideas imaginatively. Formal drawing involves the use of instruments and the application of standards and conventions. DVC requires students to have an enquiring mind and a willingness to support their visual work with written explanations, justifying their decision making. Study in DVC can lead into a range of careers, including Architectural and Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Engineering, Research and Development, Manufacturing, Building Technologies and Product Design but also develops the critical thinking and research analysis skills necessary to excel in a wide range of professions.

Course Content:  Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

Progression to NCEA Level 3:To study DVC at Level 3 it will be necessary to have achieved 14 credits in Level 2 DVC.. 

FAQ:

1. I didn’t take Year 11 DVC, can I take it at Year 12?
This is not recommended. There is a big step up in the knowledge base at Level 2 and without previously studying the subject you would really struggle to achieve the assessments.

2. I want to take Design this Year, should I take DVC as well?
Often students will take a combination of portfolio based subjects so taking both of these is possible. They are different subjects but have a lot of similarities, so in the interests of having a broad education you should carefully consider before choosing both. In general, DVC will focus on Architectural and Industrial Product Design, where-as Design focuses more on Graphic Design.

3. I’m thinking about Architecture or Engineering as a career. Will studying DVC help me?
Yes. Architecture and building design is a big part of DVC, and the ability to create and understand technical drawings is a clear benefit in those careers. Thinking ahead to Level 3 you will have the option of focusing on either Architecture Design or Product Engineering Design for your assessments.

4. I’m worried I won’t get the 12 credits needed to move into Level 3 DVC due to the Covid-19 issues. Do I need to choose another subject?
It is understandable that for reasons beyond our control the academic performance this Year has been hindered. Your acceptance onto the course next Year will be based on your overall ability to succeed in the subject area rather than number of credits achieved. Each student will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Design Technology (DET) - NCEA Level 3

Minimum Entry Standard: 14 credits in Level 2 Design Technology. 

Level 3 Design Technology expands on the research and design focus of Year 12, with an emphasis on stakeholder involvement and interaction. Working with a client sees students develop suitable solutions through a familiar path of research, development, modelling and prototyping. Working with stakeholders and planning of project work assist students to develop real world negotiating and organisational skills whilst working on a project suited to their individual interests. The nature of project and techniques used is student initiated and expected to align with the expectations of industrial practices. Developing the ability to write technical reports continues with Design Critique, Modelling or Materials Development being the focus and an option to study all three criteria to maximise the Literacy credits available. Design Technology feeds into a range of careers, including Engineering, Research and Development, Manufacturing, Civil Construction, Building Construction and Project Design but also develops the critical thinking and research analysis skills necessary to excel in a wide range of professions. The development of these skills coupled with independent study hones the necessary character attributes for successful tertiary study.

Course Content:  Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

FAQ:

1. I didn’t take Year 12 Technology, can I take it at Year 13?
Unfortunately not. There is a clear path of learning throughout the three levels and attempting to miss a Year level would put you at too much of a disadvantage.

2. What is the Level 3 project?
The project focus (Context) and design is individually negotiated between you and the teacher. There are some limitations, for example, overly large projects or those too complex (or too simple) would not fit the timeframe and achievement criteria. As a rule you should choose a project you are interested in and have good quality accessible stakeholders for whom to design.

3. Can I get a subject endorsement?
Yes. There are three internal assessments and one external assessment, giving you access to subject endorsements.

4. I’m thinking about either Engineering or Industrial Design for my future. Will studying Technology help, and what other subjects should I take?
Technology will help with both of these career/University pathways. Industrial Design can be aided with Visual Art or Design and Engineering requires knowledge of Calculus and Physics.

5. Does this subject count towards University Entrance?
Yes, Technology is an approved subject which counts towards your UE.

Design & Visual Communication (DVC) - NCEA Level 3

Minimum Entry Standard: 14 credits in Level 2 DVC or at the discretion of the HOD Design Technology & DVC. 

In Level 3 Design and Visual Communication, students apply and build on the skills, knowledge and understanding gained in the course studied at Year 12. Students take more responsibility for their own learning, and as their confidence and experience grow they begin to devise their own briefs. This course requires a high level of self-directedness and the ability to manage time and course requirements effectively. Scholarship study is available and encouraged. Those wishing to apply for further study at tertiary level will be able to prepare a portfolio to support their application for courses such as Advertising, Architecture, Graphics, Interior Design, Digital Design (Computer Based Graphics) and many other relevant design fields. Study in DVC can lead into a range of careers, including Architectural and Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Engineering, Research and Development, Manufacturing, Building Technologies and Product Design but also develops the critical thinking and research analysis skills necessary to excel in a wide range of professions.

Course Content:  Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

FAQ:

1. I didn’t take Year 12 DVC, can I take it at Year 13?
No. A high level of visual communication techniques is needed to be successful at Level 3.

2. What are the Level 3 projects?
There are options at Level 3 to work on Architectural projects or Industrial Product Design, along with a presentation assessment.

3. Does this subject count towards University Entrance?
Yes, DVC is an approved subject being part of the Technology curriculum.