South Africa Grade 11 Design Syllabus - Course Entries

This document outlines the South Africa Grade 11 Design syllabus based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document.

Course Aims:

The Design curriculum aims to develop learners' abilities in visual language analysis, invention, innovation, and construction. It focuses on building knowledge, technical skills, and understanding of design conceptualization, production, and context. Learners are encouraged to explore and manipulate materials, processes, and techniques responsibly and efficiently. The curriculum also emphasizes critical appraisal of design work, the role of design in social change, and awareness of career opportunities in the design industry.

Time Allocation:

Design teachers are allocated a minimum of four teaching hours per five-day week. Learners are also expected to dedicate time outside of school hours for design work. The recommended ratio of practical to theoretical teaching contact time is 3:1. Assessment weighting for practical and theoretical components is 60% and 40%, respectively.

Topics:

The curriculum covers three core topics, repeated each term with increasing complexity:

1. Design Process and Influencing Factors (30%): This topic covers the application of the design process, including working from a brief, investigating context, generating ideas, exploring materials and techniques, producing prototypes, evaluating solutions, and understanding design as a tool for change. Influencing factors include aesthetics, functionality, trends, markets, and responsible design practice. A dedicated research component, "Design in a Business Context," is integrated into this topic. For Grade 11, this involves analyzing two advertising campaigns from print or digital media, considering target market, design elements and principles, typography, visual images, message, and overall style. Additionally, learners investigate career and tertiary opportunities in design, analyze existing design businesses, and potentially create a CV and application letter for a tertiary design institution.

2. Design Production, Time Management, and Safe Practice (30%): This topic focuses on the practical creation and presentation of design products. Learners apply the design process, demonstrate competence in chosen materials and techniques, and effectively communicate their design solutions. They interpret and explain their choices of design elements, principles, and materials. Time management skills, including self-discipline, planning, organization, and adherence to schedules, are also emphasized. Safe working practices with materials and equipment, along with an understanding of health and environmental implications, are essential components.

3. Design Theory (40%): This topic encompasses design literacy, history of design, and design in a socio-cultural, environmental, and sustainable context. Grade 11 learners build upon their design terminology foundation, focusing on the theory and terminology that underpin design practice and theory. They study the historical development, characteristics, and influences of various design styles. They also critically reflect on how design shapes the environment and explore how design can benefit society, including understanding signs, symbols, stereotyping, bias, and prejudice in design. Specific design movements covered in Grade 11 include a recap of the Industrial Revolution and the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Scandinavian design, De Stijl, and the Modernist Age. Learners also investigate popular culture within these movements, focusing on fashion, music, and social environments. They study four contemporary international designers concerned with social and environmental issues.

Assessment:

Formal assessment in Grade 11 comprises:

• School-Based Assessment (SBA - 25%): Three practical assessment tasks (PATs), each worth 100 marks (50 for process, 50 for product), and three theory tests/examinations (two tests worth 50 marks each and a mid-year exam worth 100 marks).
• End-of-Year Examination (75%):
• Retrospective Exhibition (25%): Presentation of the year's work (PATs 1-3) and three research assignments (Design in a Business Context).
• Written Theory Examination (25%): Covering design literacy, history, and socio-cultural context.
• Practical Examination (25%): A 24-hour practical design task.

All assessments in Grade 11 are internally set and marked.

This information provides a comprehensive overview of the South Africa Grade 11 Design syllabus. For more detailed information, please refer to the official CAPS document.