Manual content allocation tool: Design and Technology Years 7–10
Design and Technology Core: A holistic approach
A holistic approach to design and technology provides a framework for the understanding of the concepts of design, and for design decisions and
reflection. An awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of design gives students a broader perspective of the interrelationship of design with other areas
of study.
Students learn about:
Students learn to:
1
2
3
4
5
6
The concepts of design

nature and definitions of design, technology
and appropriate technology

define design, technology and appropriate
technology

apply design, technology and appropriate technology
principles in the process of developing quality design
solutions

purposes of design

identify the purpose of design across a number of
focus areas of design

interdisciplinary nature of design which
draws on disciplines such as mathematics,
sciences, fine art and humanities

identify the dependencies of design on other
disciplines when designing solutions

analyse a case study that demonstrates the
interdisciplinary nature of design

outline, reflect and apply collaborative methods when
developing a design solution

interrelationship of design with technology

analyse a designed solution and identify how it was
affected by the technologies and tools used in its
development

principles of design when transferred to
new situations and contexts

reflect on and report the learning of the principles
used in design and applied in new situations and
contexts

document using written communication techniques to
provide feedback on their learning
Technology Unit, Curriculum K–12 Directorate, NSW Department of Education and Training
http://curriculumsupport.nsw.edu.au
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Manual content allocation tool: Design and Technology Years 7–10
Students learn about:
Students learn to:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Factors affecting a holistic approach to design and production


design purpose and setting factors
 function
 form
 aesthetics
 end user aspirations and context
 time factors: historical, contemporary
and future considerations
 quality
 trends

describe factors affecting the design and production
of design ideas and solutions from selected focus
areas of design

analyse and report on the factors that affect the
decisions taken in the development of design ideas
and solutions

apply a holistic approach by considering the factors
affecting design and production in a design project
human, technical and environmental factors
 human capital (knowledge, skills and
techniques)
 ergonomics
 safety, values and ethics
 industrial and workplace legislation
 appropriateness of technology choices
and design decisions
 social and environmental sustainability
 resource choices and availability (tools,
materials, time, finance)
Technology Unit, Curriculum K–12 Directorate, NSW Department of Education and Training
http://curriculumsupport.nsw.edu.au
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