At Orewa College, we design, make, and problem-solve through the power of design and technology.
Design Technology at Orewa College provides ākonga with hands-on opportunities to explore ideas, materials, and digital tools. Learning develops progressively from foundational experiences in the middle school through to specialised NCEA courses, scholarship opportunities, and vocational or academic pathways in the senior school.
Design Technology learning
Hands-on learning with purpose
In Design Technology, the wide variety of courses offer ākonga exciting, practical 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.
Years 7 and 8
Building foundations in the design process
The Years 7 and 8 programmes introduce students to foundational concepts and skills in Design Technology. Learning is hands-on and structured, supporting students to understand the design process while developing confidence with materials, tools, and technologies.
Year 7 introduces students to Design Technology through guided inquiry and practical tasks across several disciplines:
- Design and Visual Communication
- Textiles
- Nutrition
- 3D printing
Year 8 builds on this learning and introduces more complex ideas and increased independence. Students develop new practical skills, including:
- Textile Technology
- Woodwork
- Laser cutting
- Coding
There is a strong focus on safe practice.
Years 9 and 10
Developing independence, creativity, and critical thinking
Students in Years 9 and 10 deepen their understanding of Design Technology through independent inquiry, creativity, problem-solving, and critical analysis. Learning continues to be practical and project-based.
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.
