A brief description of the course followed in Years 7 and 8. Acquiring and using knowledge principally of materials, energy and control. Developing attitudes such as curiosity, resourcefulness, confidence, co-operation, responsibility towards safety, technological and environmental awareness and a sense of the wider implications of any human activity, including designing. The vehicle is the activity of problem solving through designing, making and evaluating.
All practical work produced by the pupils is taken home after assessment.
Design folio projects which are generated by each brief, are kept in the school and are retained by pupils as a record of work done. Together with theory notes, these form a substantial revision portfolio by the end of year three. The following are areas of study which will be covered in the foundation course. Accurate marking and measuring of all materials. Fabrication by glue, nail, screw and solder.