Technology

Noor Parkar Head of Dept

Technology is ‘… the know-how and creative processes that may assist people to utilise tools, resources and systems to solve problems and enhance control over the natural and man-made environment in an endeavour to improve the human condition…’

UNESCO 1985

Introduction

Technology is a subject which has been taught at IST for a number of years. It currently encompasses the subjects, Information Technology from Years 6 -10 and Design Technology during Years 9 -10 at MYP level. We have also recently included Design Technology into the IB curriculum in the Group 4 Science cluster.

Aims of Technology at IST include:

• To stimulate and maintain student’s interest, curiosity and concern about technological aspects of their environment
• To enable students to develop skills which allows them to design and produce a range of quality products which address problems and needs in society
• To gain confidence and competence in utilising various resources, tools and materials (DT) or hardware and software (IT)
• To understand how design can be used as a method of communication
• To develop logical and lateral thinking skills as well as practical problem solving skills

Central to MYP Technology is the study of the Design Cycle and the stages of:

• Investigate
• Design
• Plan
• Create
• Evaluate

Design Technology at MYP level

Design Technology is a burgeoning program offered at IST which allows students to complement the skills they have learnt previously in IT. At IST we have a dedicated design workshop with excellent facilities which enables students to tackle a variety of design projects working with various materials, equipment and techniques. These projects are open-ended and relate to the needs of the students in the MYP curriculum.

Information Technology at MYP level

IT is taught at IST in four newly and completely renovated Labs with outstanding resources. Our facilities include a Mac Lab with new 25 iMacs, two PC Labs also with 50 new HP PC’s and a Multimedia room. Three labs feature interactive whiteboards and projectors, have colour and laser A4 and A3 printers and all labs use wireless networking. This facilitates a curriculum which is wide and varied and provides opportunities for students to learn new skills which are rapidly changing and developing in a technologically global environment.

Towards the end of Year 10 students take student-centred learning to a new level as they write individual design briefs and complete their own projects in both DT and IT.

Design Technology at IB level

The IB course is designed for students interested in the study of design and technology in a global society on both a practical and theoretical level. Students develop competence in investigation and analysis of various design concepts and apply their knowledge and skills through problem solving practical projects. This course is recommended to students with an interest in architecture, interior and environmental design; industrial or product design; graphics and engineering. In the course students learn about the role of the designer in society, the nature of materials and the environment from which resources are attained. Students explore the concepts of invention, innovation and the use and application of appropriate technology.

Noor Parkar

Head of Technology