Design in the Senior School
A Launchpad for Innovation
In Grade 9, all students take Design as a full-year course, building a strong foundation in problem-solving, creativity, and technical skills. In Grade 10, Design becomes an elective, with approximately 90% of students choosing to take at least one Design course and around 50% opting for two. As they progress, students have the opportunity to specialize further by selecting from DP Design Technology and DP Computer Science, allowing them to deepen their expertise in their chosen field.
In Grade 10, the learning journey takes a personalized turn. Students embark on a specialized path, choosing from a diverse range of captivating courses: Product Design, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship and Design, Robotics Design and Engineering, and Digital Media Design. These immersive courses provide authentic, real-world experiences, challenging students to apply their knowledge and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
The Diploma Program, Reaching New Heights
The specialized learning in Grade 10 serves as a powerful launchpad for advanced studies in the Diploma Program (DP). Students can delve deeper into their passions through rigorous and rewarding programs like DP Design Technology and DP Computer Science. These programs nurture advanced technical skills, foster independent research, and encourage students to push the boundaries of their critical thinking and creative potential.
DP Computer Science
The DP computer science course aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computing systems and the ability to apply computational thinking to solve problems in the real world. Students will develop skills in algorithmic thinking and computer programming, including the study of machine learning, and consider the ethical issues raised by emerging technologies.
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STEM connections: The course covers the core principles of computer science, a key STEM field, including computer fundamentals, networks, databases, and machine learning. This provides students with a solid foundation for further study in computer science or related fields.
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Critical thinking: The course requires students to analyse and evaluate solutions developed through computational thinking in a range of contexts. Students are also expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles, and terminology in computer science, and apply appropriate methods and techniques to solve problems.
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Creative thinking: The course promotes innovation and exploration in computer science through the development of a computational solution to a real-world problem. Students must approach unfamiliar situations with creativity and resilience, constructing, synthesising, analysing, and evaluating possible solutions.
DP Design Technology
The DP design technology course seeks to develop internationally minded people who are equipped to utilise their understanding of design and technology to address global challenges and create a better world. Students will gain a wide spectrum of knowledge, and apply design thinking to innovate, explore, and acquire further knowledge. Through practical exploration and the development of a product design solution, they will consider the ethical issues raised by design and technology.
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STEM connections: Design technology incorporates elements of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students study ergonomics, user-centred design, material properties, structural and mechanical systems, and electronic systems.
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Critical thinking: The course encourages students to analyse, evaluate, and synthesize information and claims relating to technological systems. They must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts, principles, and terminology in design technology, as well as design methodology, techniques, and technology. This includes the ability to construct, analyse, and evaluate design briefs, problems, specifications, and plans, applying appropriate methods, techniques, models, and products.
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Creative thinking: The course emphasises design thinking, requiring students to understand users, challenge their own assumptions, and redefine complex problems to create innovative solutions. Students are expected to approach unfamiliar situations and 'wicked problems' with creativity and resilience, designing, modelling, and implementing solutions. They also develop their own design projects, demonstrating research, development, experimentation, modelling, and personal skills in order to carry out innovative, insightful, ethical, and effective design activities.
Beryond STEM
Our program reaches out and connects beyond the boundaries of STEM.