Materials Technology (Wood)
The Collins dictionary defines the word “syllabus” as an “outline of a course of studies” (Collins English Dictonary , 2014). The MTW syllabus outlines the course content along with a suite of aims and objectives that students should strive to achieve. It highlights specific practices, skills and topics that will be explored throughout the duration of the programme. Like all syllabi it places emphasis on its assessment strategies, the coursework is directed towards a terminal examination after three years i.e. the JC. This syllabus is unique sense “the pupil will be encouraged to develop the ability to solve practical problems in an innovative and creative manner through the application of appropriate knowledge and skills” (MTW Syllabus, 1996, p. 3). Exploring the MTW syllabus underlines the core reasoning behind the author’s investigation, that being to question the use of alternative materials within the subject MTW.
One could argue that the subject MTW is solely based around the use of wood and its by-products, whereas the MTW syllabus states that "while the principal medium for these activities will be wood, the knowledge and use of other materials are encouraged in order to broaden the educational experience and to allow greater flexibility in the solution of problems encountered in project and design activity". (MTW Syllabus, 1996, p. 3)
Students that study MTW have displayed their innovation when using wood. Wood is available in a variety of colours; it can be moulded into versatile shapes, it is extremely durable and it is reasonably cheap comparing to other materials. For these reasons we appreciate its universal purpose in the furniture making business. Although wood possess many merits it can be exhausted in some cases. The over reliance of wood can have a negative effect during the design processing stage of a project. Although wood is an extremely versatile material it does have its limitations. Through experimenting one may draw a conclusion that wood is not a viable material for its function in a particular design. The MTW syllabus states that “not all projects will need to have wood as a base material and pupils will be encouraged to be discriminating in their selection of materials for a particular use” (MTW Syllabus, 1996, p. 7). Students should have the confidence and knowledge of the “suitability of selected materials” (MTW Syllabus, 1996, p. 9).
One could argue that the subject MTW is solely based around the use of wood and its by-products, whereas the MTW syllabus states that "while the principal medium for these activities will be wood, the knowledge and use of other materials are encouraged in order to broaden the educational experience and to allow greater flexibility in the solution of problems encountered in project and design activity". (MTW Syllabus, 1996, p. 3)
Students that study MTW have displayed their innovation when using wood. Wood is available in a variety of colours; it can be moulded into versatile shapes, it is extremely durable and it is reasonably cheap comparing to other materials. For these reasons we appreciate its universal purpose in the furniture making business. Although wood possess many merits it can be exhausted in some cases. The over reliance of wood can have a negative effect during the design processing stage of a project. Although wood is an extremely versatile material it does have its limitations. Through experimenting one may draw a conclusion that wood is not a viable material for its function in a particular design. The MTW syllabus states that “not all projects will need to have wood as a base material and pupils will be encouraged to be discriminating in their selection of materials for a particular use” (MTW Syllabus, 1996, p. 7). Students should have the confidence and knowledge of the “suitability of selected materials” (MTW Syllabus, 1996, p. 9).
Materials Technology (Wood) Syllabus | |
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