IB SUBJECTS GROUP 4
DESIGN
TECHNOLOGY
(HL & SL)
Design is a process that links innovation
and creativity. Both science and technology
have a fundamental relationship with design.
Technology preceded science, but now most
technological developments are based on
scientific understanding.
Design technology enables a high level of
design literacy by helping pupils to develop
critical thinking and design skills, which they
can apply in a practical context. Many of the
skills of research, analysis, problem solving and
evaluation are directly transferable to a wide
range of vocations and are valuable life skills.
Course aims:
The design technology course at Wellington
sees pupils engaged in a wide range of different
activities, all underpinned by recognition of
the fact that good product design requires a
thorough understanding of people, processes
and materials, together with a responsible
attitude to the environment and sound ethics
on an international level. The IB recognises that
learning takes place most effectively in a practical
environment and, as such, much of the course
focuses on learning through practical application
and project work.
IB SUBJECTS GROUP 4
SPORTS,
EXERCISE AND
HEALTH SCIENCE
(SL)
SL topics
Course content and assessment:
Standard level (SL) is accessible for many
pupils who have not studied design
technology before, although some experience
or at least a keen interest in the subject will
naturally improve the likelihood of achieving
a high grade. SL pupils study classical design
alongside developing their own strategies
for innovation, modelling and manufacture.
All design work focuses on meeting the
needs of the user in a way that considers the
environment.
Higher level (HL) sees pupils cover all the
SL content plus greater depth in user-
centred design, sustainability, innovation and
commercial production. Likewise, the design
project should be executed with greater
depth and coverage, and an extra written
examination paper assesses the higher level
components. Pupils wanting to study at HL
are expected to have experience in design
technology at IGCSE.
– Human factors and ergonomics
– Resource management and sustainable
production
– Modelling
– Final production
– Innovation and design
– Classic design
The sports, exercise and health science (SEHS)
course is currently only offered at standard level.
This course lies within group 4, experimental
sciences. Group 4 pupils explore the concepts,
theories, models and techniques that underpin
each subject area and through these develop
their understanding of the scientific method.
40% Internally assessed design project
60% Exam: Paper 1 and 2
Course aims:
HL topics
– User-centred design (UCD)
– Sustainability
– Innovation and markets
– Commercial production
40% Internally assessed design project
60% Exam: Paper 1, 2 and 3
The SEHS course incorporates the disciplines
of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics,
psychology and nutrition, which are studied
in the context of sport, exercise and health.
A combination of syllabus content and
experimental work provides the opportunity
for pupils to acquire the knowledge and
understanding necessary to apply scientific
principles and analyse human performance.
Course content:
SEHS is an SL course that requires 150 hours
of teaching time over two years. It follows
the Group 4 SL curriculum model: a core
syllabus and a choice of four options. Pupils
are required to spend 40 hours on practical/
investigation work.
The course also has strong international
dimensions such as international sporting
competition and the international bodies that
regulate them. Ethical issues that exist within
sporting competitions are considered.
The comprehensive curriculum provides
excellent preparation for university courses
including those specifically related to sport,
sports science or physical education. For
pupils who are interested in taking this course
you will need to have a comprehensive
understanding and knowledge base in the
following areas.
– Physics
– Biology
– Physical education
Apart from the general benefits that studying
design technology brings, it directly contributes
to university applications in fields as diverse
as engineering, product design, architecture,
manufacturing, biomechanics, industrial design,
fashion and urban planning. Many university
courses will accept design technology as the sole
group 4 subject, whereas some disciplines will
expect design and technology alongside physics,
for example.
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