Our practical subjects explore the design and technology skills of the students. Whether it’s materials technology wood, technical graphics, construction studies or design and communication graphics, our students are expected to use innovation and practical application in the creation of visual and tangible elements that support and enhance their understanding of shape, precision and intrinsic materials.
Our practical areas are designed to a very high commercial and industrial standard. We have state of the art equipment in all areas and computers which enhances the learning experience of our students and allows them to apply technology to practical learning skills.
Applied Technology
Applied Technology has been taught in St. Mel’s College since 2001. It has become very popular among students mainly because of the diverse range of topics involved and also because of the many interesting projects which are made. Technology is mainly about using a design process to solve technological problems. In Applied Technology, you will use the design process to work through a task or problem in order to arrive at a solution, which is usually in the form of an artifact or finished product. You will learn how to safely use the tools, materials and equipment necessary to make this product.
What will I learn in Applied Technology?
Some of the things you will learn include:
- An understanding and appreciation of design and the design process
- How to use the tools and equipment necessary to complete projects in a safe manner
- An understanding of different materials, their properties and how best to work with these materials, i.e. wood, metals and plastics
- How to use electronic components to build simple circuits for use in tasks and projects e.g. running mechanical toys.
How will I learn Applied Technology in school?
Some of the things you may do with your teacher and your classmates are:
- Investigate the role of technology in the world we live in
- Use tools and equipment in a safe manner
- Learn how to identify a range of different materials and their properties
- Use the design process to find a technological solution to a problem
- Communicate your ideas using sketches and design drawings
- Learn about mechanisms such as gears and how they work.
Wood Technology
Wood Technology has been taught in St. Mel’s College since 2001. It has become very popular among students mainly because of the many interesting projects which are made. In Wood Technology you will learn to design small projects and the skills required to use tools and equipment to make your designs. You will work mainly with wood but also with other materials.
You will learn about wood as a material and how it is produced.
What will I learn in Wood Technology?
Some of the things you will learn include:
- How to design a project given a brief description of what you are to make
- How to use the internet for research purposes
- How to use freehand sketching to communicate your ideas
- How to prepare a design drawing/plan of a project you design
- How to read design drawings and make small projects from these drawings
- How to safely use a range of hand and power tools in producing your design.
How will I learn Wood Technology in school?
Some of the things you may do with your teacher and your classmates are:
- Examine trees, their leaves and seeds and be able to recognise their varying characteristics
- Investigate how trees affect the environment around us
- Learn to sketch freehand
- Learn how to problem solve and use a design process to design projects
- Develop your craft skills to allow you to make projects
- Prepare a design folder to accompany your project.
Applied Graphics
In Applied Graphics you will learn how to represent 3-D objects on paper and on computer. You will develop problem solving and creative thinking skills through the solution of graphical problems.
What will I learn in Applied Graphics?
Some of the things you will learn include:
- How to produce drawings using drawing equipment, freehand sketches and computers
- How to read and interpret drawings and diagrams
- How graphics relate to the design and manufacture of products.
How will I learn Applied Graphics in school?
Some of the things you may do with your teacher and your classmates are:
- Produce neat drawings of everyday items
- Create models of recognisable items on the computer
- Use freehand sketching, colouring and shading to represent objects
- Make paper/cardboard cut-outs of items and use these to model items in 3-D
- Work on your own and as part of a group
- Use a textbook and worksheets
- Organise and maintain a folder of drawings and notes.