Design

Our LEAP electives allow students to focus and develop their practical skills within design and prepares them for further investigation within the subject. Whether students have no experience or are experts, each LEAP elective will help them explore the area and build their confidence.

Within the Design Studio LEAP, students use a range of tools and equipment to create different outcomes, developing understanding of materials and manipulative skills which they can apply to open-ended project work.  

The Drone LEAP provides an in-depth understanding of drone technology, general aviation knowledge, current regulations, and safe operating skills. Students will also build a Micro First Person View Racing Drone and practice and refine their drone programming.

The Textile LEAP introduces students to the basics of sewing, fashion design, and repurposing fabrics. Students learn a mixture of sewing by hand and by machine, how to follow a pattern, and an introduction to the textiles industry. They have the chance to complete a number of small activities with the opportunity to personalise and design their own items.

In the Robotics LEAP, students create, build, programme, and operate robotic machines and vehicles using VEX Education bricks and computer programming software. On the way, they develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including computer programming and building with motors, sensors, and gears.

The Design General course allows students to deepen their understanding of the design cycle and also their ability to respond to our ever-changing, global environment. Students explore topical issues autonomously, applying a variety of material responses to manufacture appropriate and innovative solutions. They develop their critical and creative thinking skills to work both individually and within design teams, whilst extending their subject-specific knowledge.

Through their journey in the course, students can create professional ePortfolios that showcase their usage of the design cycle, including inquiry and analytical skills, development of new solutions, a range of manufacturing techniques, and higher-order evaluative thinking. Students will build on their experience from Grades 6-9 to extend their understanding of how to solve problems genuinely and meaningfully, reaching more people with their responses to each design context.

Design Robotics allows students to solve problems with the use of robotics. Students merge the use of the same design cycle they have used in Grades 6 to 9, with their knowledge of robotics systems to build and code robots, whilst considering topical global issues.  

Students use their creative thinking skills to develop innovative, robotic solutions and hone their communication skills within design teams, digitally, and through their portfolios. A variety of robotic equipment helps students realise their realistic and useful designs through iterative development to enhance learning opportunities independently and collaboratively.