Design Technology

What does Design Technologies look like at Ponsonby?

Students are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills that enables them to form, transform and work with materials, textiles and fashion. They look at where our clothing comes from and the processes involved in manufacturing these products. Using the technological knowledge students are equipped to critically think about where our clothes come from, the impact fashion has on the environment and economic conditions of a country, especially third world countries. An understanding of material properties, uses and development is essential to understanding how and why products work the way they do. Students’ thinking becomes more reflective and creative as they assess and critique materials outcomes in terms of quality of design, and the influence it has on society and the environment. To understand the process of design and how innovation leads to development over time. Applying their knowledge of the design principles to create innovative outcomes that realise opportunities and solve real-world problems.  Supporting students to be innovative, reflective and critical in designing new models, products, systems and tools to benefit people while taking account of their impact on cultural, ethical, environmental and economic conditions.

Why do we teach it?

The aim is for students to develop broad technological knowledge, practices and dispositions that will equip them to participate in society as informed citizens and provide a platform for technology-related careers. Students’ thinking becomes more and more reflective, critical and creative as they assess and critique materials outcomes in terms of quality of design, fitness for purpose, and impact and influence on society and the environment. Students become increasingly skilled in applying their knowledge of design principles to create innovative outcomes that realise opportunities and solve real-world problems. Students learn that technology is the result of human activity by exploring stories and experiences from their heritage, from Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich cultural environment, and from contemporary examples of technology. As they learn in technology, students draw on and further develop the key competencies.

How do we teach it?

Students learn a range of design practices across a multitude of media to create a range of products for a fit purpose or problem. They learn about the variety of fabrics and fibres and how they turn into usable fabrics, where clothing comes from and the impact of sweatshops and fast fashion, how different technologies and design software can be used to create, prototype and design a variety of products for a chosen problem.  Through innovation and the design process students produce products that have ethical design aspects and are unique to the New Zealand culture and environment.

From the Ponsonby Curriculum. Published 2022.