Orewa College
In Design Technology, the wide variety of courses offer ākonga exciting, hands-on opportunities to design and create innovative outcomes that improve the way we live. Students explore the properties and uses of materials, develop practical skills, and learn to design and make products with purpose, while also considering sustainability and tikanga Māori.
Our Design Technology Team
Middle School (Years 7 & 8)
Year 7
The Year 7 programme introduces students to foundational concepts and skills in Design Technology. Students engage with content through hands-on activities, guided inquiry, and structured learning tasks. The programme covers several disciplines, including Design and Visual Communication, E-Textiles, Nutrition and 3D Printing, with a focus on understanding the design process.
Year 8
Students in Year 8 builds on Year 7 learning and introduces more complex ideas. Students develop confidence and independence as learners. New practical skills are learnt, including machine sewing, wood work, laser cutting, food technology and coding. There is a focus on safe practice.
Middle School (Years 9 & 10)
Students in Years 9 and 10 deepen their understanding in Design Technology. Students focus on independent inquiry, creativity, problem-solving, and critical analysis. Subjects include:
- Design and Visual Communication
- Digital Technology
- Mechatronics integrated with English (Year 10 only)
- Food Technology
- Textile Technology
- Product Development
Learning includes research and investigation, design drawing, modelling, practical work, critical evaluation, and presentation of final outcomes.
Senior School (Years 11–13)
Students in Years 11 to 13 further develop their Design Technology skills and knowledge through more specialised courses and practical applications, preparing them for NCEA assessments, scholarship opportunities, and academic or vocational pathways beyond school.
Year Level | NCEA Level | Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Year 11 | Level 1 | Design and Visual Communication, Materials Technology, Digital Technology, Food Studies, Textile Technology, Mechatronics (integrated with English) |
| Year 12 | Level 2 | Academic pathway: Design and Visual Communication, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Material Technology, Food Technology, Textile Design and Technology. Vocational pathways: Hospitality, Future Trades, Textile Skills. |
| Year 13 | Level 3 | Academic pathway: Design and Visual Communication, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Food Technology, Textile Design and Technology. Vocational pathways: Hospitality, Construction, Textile Skills, Engineering. |
Scholarship is available in Year 13 for highly motivated and high-achieving students.
Technology Hangarau Block
Extra Curricular Activities
| Activity Name | About | Teacher in Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Maker Space | A chance to get together with students who want to make innovative products. Focus on digital and hard materials – 3D printing and laser cutting | Josh Pinho & Jamie Young |
Contact
For more information about Design Technology, please contact:
Head of Department: Gail Smith
Email: [email protected]