Subject description

Design, Technology, and Engineering is a 10-credit subject or a 20-credit subject at Stage 1.

In Design, Technology, and Engineering, students use the design and realisation process to engineer solutions for the development of products or systems. Design, Technology, and Engineering has four contexts: digital communication solutions, industry and entrepreneurial solutions, material solutions, and robotic and electronic systems.

The subject provides a flexible framework that encourages students to be creative, innovative, and enterprising in their chosen context. They apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills and incorporate technologies to address design problems and challenges. This subject incorporates the transfer of interdisciplinary skills and knowledge and promotes individualised and inquiry-based learning. Design, Technology, and Engineering provides opportunities for students to apply engineering processes and use new and evolving technologies.

In Stage 1 students use the design and realisation process. They learn to create a design brief that provides the basis for the development of potential solutions to design problems and challenges, and review design features, processes, materials, and production techniques to assist with the realisation of the solution.

In this subject, a ‘solution’ is an outcome of the design and realisation process in relation to the chosen context. A solution could be fully realised or a model, prototype, system, part, process (i.e. procedures to output a product), or product.

Students analyse influences on a product or system including ethical, legal, economic, and/or sustainability issues. They consider the practical implications of these issues on society or on design solutions.

Students apply appropriate skills, processes, procedures, and techniques whilst implementing safe work practices when creating the solution.

Student learning is reported for the following contexts:

• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Digital Communication Solutions
• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Industry and Entrepreneurial Solutions
• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Material Solutions
• Design, Technology, and Engineering — Robotic and Electronic Systems.