Design and Technology

TECHNICAL PATHWAYSboarding school for boys

The fourth industrial revolution is underway and it is great to find ourselves well on our way to providing new pathways of learning as the world changes. While an academic education still holds currency worldwide, we have made space for each boy to accommodate a window subject that opens into the economy. The opportunity to gain real work experience through practical exposure in the industry and to put new skills into practice is an invaluable life skill.

We are fortunate to be able to offer these qualifications within the environment of a traditional boys’ school with the full benefits of a focus on character education.


New Entry Point in Grade 10 or 11

We are pleased to offer a new entry point to the College for boys who would like to join us and pursue a qualification pathway that includes up to 20% of their school week studying a technical option. With the addition of Cambridge Design and Technology at IGCSE and AS Level, we now offer an extended range of learning pathways to suit boys who enjoy a practical component to their learning.

If you would
like to
explore
this option

please contact
Mrs Janet de Croes at
admission@scc.co.za

 

New Technical Workshop facilities and Welding School

 

 

 

 

 

Design and Technology as a Subject

St Charles College recognises that there is a need to provide pathways for boys who will become skilled in technical, engineering, technology and media professions. To be included in the global economy each graduate of the College needs to be destination-focused and to carry an internationally exportable skill and qualification.

The advantage of working with leading education providers is the quality of the qualification and its fit with the new economy. We know we are connecting our boys to meaningful careers in the new economy. As we actively design the school that fits with the future we are excited to introduce Design and Technology as a new subject to be examined at IGCSE and AS Level through Cambridge Assessment International.

Cambridge IGCSE® (Design & Technology 0445)

The Cambridge IGCSE Design and Technology syllabus enables learners to identify,
consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different media, materials and tools. As a result, learners gain greater technical and design awareness, while developing skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity. They also develop the communication skills central to design making and evaluation.

Cambridge IGCSE Design and Technology provides an ideal basis for further study, and prepares learners for their future within a rapidly changing technological society.

Cambridge AS Level (Design & Technology 9705)

The aims of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Design & Technology syllabus are to enable candidates to develop:

  • The ability to be innovative and creative in design and technology and to recognise constraints and produce high-quality products
  • An awareness of the significance of design and technology to society
  • The ability to apply essential knowledge, understanding and skills of design production processes to a range of technological activities and develop an understanding of industrial practices
  • The ability to use information and communications technology (ICT), as appropriate, to enhance their design and technological capability
  • Critical evaluation skills in technical, aesthetic, economic, environmental, social and cultural contexts
  • The ability to make informed choices as a discerning consumer
  • Positive attitudes of co-operation and citizenship and the ability to work collaboratively.

Candidates study compulsory core syllabus content at Cambridge International AS Level (tested in Component 1). At AS and A Levels they also have the opportunity to investigate and develop specialist areas of interest through the coursework projects (Components 2 and 4). The project is a significant part of the teaching and assessment requirements of this syllabus; it is important that candidates have the opportunity to access facilities whereby the realisation of products can be achieved. Cambridge International A Level candidates choose one of the three following focus areas from Part 2 of the syllabus to study (tested in Component 3):

  • Product design
  • Practical technology
  • Graphic products