Samoa Design and Technology Syllabus (Year 9)

This information is derived from the Samoa Secondary School Curriculum for Design and Technology, Years 9-12, published by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Apia, 2022.

Introduction

Design and Technology is a crucial subject within Applied Sciences, empowering students to contribute to their personal, community, and national development. It fosters resourcefulness, innovation, and critical thinking, enabling students to analyze and creatively address design challenges in local and global contexts. The curriculum emphasizes ethical, legal, aesthetic, and functional considerations in design processes, promoting sustainable practices and technological literacy.

Curriculum Structure

The Design and Technology curriculum is structured around six key strands:

1. Design: Encompasses the design process, analysis of design decisions, and application of creativity in problem-solving. 2. Drawing: Focuses on developing graphic and verbal communication skills through sketching and technical drawing. 3. Tools: Covers the safe use, care, and maintenance of hand tools and equipment in the workshop. 4. Materials: Explores the properties, sources, and production of various materials, with an emphasis on wood and metal. 5. Processes: Involves understanding and applying appropriate techniques for working with materials and tools, emphasizing good trade practice. 6. Technology: Examines the nature of technology and its impact on individuals and society.

Year 9 Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are expected of Year 9 students within each strand:

Strand 1: Design

• Explain the design process.
• Identify components of a design brief.
• Use open and closed design specifications.
• Develop investigation skills.
• Compare and defend design choices.
• Develop planning and management skills.
• Apply the design process to practical problems.
• Explain the need to adapt to changing situations.

Strand 2: Drawing

• Develop sketching as a communication tool.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic technical drawing techniques (orthographic, isometric, oblique projections).
• Apply standard practices for lines, lettering, and scales.

Strand 3: Tools

• Identify and use basic hand tools in the workshop.
• Adjust settings and replace blades on bench tools.
• Explain the need for workshop safety and a clean environment.
• Move safely and demonstrate concern for others' safety.
• Describe the need for safe practices and procedures.

Strand 4: Materials

• Identify common workshop materials and evaluate their properties (hardness, texture, grain).
• Explain the growth of a tree and classify timbers into hardwoods and softwoods.
• Describe basic properties of metals and classify ferrous and nonferrous metals.

Strand 5: Processes

• Prepare materials, measure accurately, and set out work.
• Cut materials accurately to size and shape.
• Dress or finish materials and assemble using appropriate techniques.
• Clean and prepare work for surface finishes.

Strand 6: Technology

• Explain the role of technology in everyday life.
• Describe the helpful and harmful effects of technology.

Oral Communication

• Express ideas in group activities (discussions, planning).
• Use language to ask and respond to questions and instructions.
• Give brief explanations, descriptions, and comparisons.
• Present brief oral reports of findings and opinions.
• Summarize key points from oral or written sources.
• Use technical vocabulary.
• Locate and interpret information from various materials.
• Recognize language structures for organizing information.

Written Communication

• Use language to express cause and effect, state research questions or hypotheses, and give basic definitions.
• Write descriptive paragraphs about objects and their properties, functions, and behaviors.
• Explain how processes and phenomena work.
• Write paragraph summaries.
• Write simple reports of investigations.

Designing Processes

The design process is emphasized, using a four-part model: Investigating, Designing, Producing, and Evaluating. This model encourages systematic and creative problem-solving with continuous evaluation and modification. Projects are central to the learning experience, providing tangible outcomes and a framework for skill development. Emphasis is placed on connecting learning to real-world contexts and integrating the different strands of the curriculum.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The curriculum promotes interactive learning through activities like discussions, investigations, problem-solving, and peer work. Assessment is viewed as a tool for improving teaching and learning, with a focus on diagnostic and informative feedback. Essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, aesthetic judgment, and technology use are developed throughout the program. Inclusive education principles are applied to cater to diverse learning needs and gender inclusivity is promoted.