Wednesdays are hard work

Today is the short period day, basically lessons are reduced to 45 minutes and as such we squeeze all 6 lessons in before 1230. That makes for a fast paced and rapid fire lesson structure if I am to keep the classes I get to day on target for my project planning. Its tough on me but also tough on the kids as I tend not to give them any time to chill - I am still seeing some "respect" issues with certain classes but I assume this is a lets see if we can stretch then boundry type of thing and I have decided I am going to have to be a little tougher but fair.Its not about the work because almost all of the work is of a very high quality as I hope you can see from some of the attached front cover work produced below.




I am well into teaching basic orthographics with almost all classes and the results are good, there are a few who haven't mastered line weights but since its very much learn as you do it the kids are responding very well. My theory is to teach basic orthographics (Plan, Elevation, End Elevation)leading into a simple Isometric, followed by some rendering on the Isometric produced, leading into a 1 Point perspective drawing. With those basic skills I feel the kids will have enough to meet the Product Design approach of the MYP program. The desire to get started on the first project is high I want the kids to start working with some materials BUT at the same time I know that if I dont give them some basic graphic skills then the overall folio they will attempt to produce will be of a poorer standard. It is far too easy for kids to cut, copy paste using a computer and I intend to use the PC for as much as is possible particularly with regard to their folios BUT I also want to show individual input through working drawings, design ideas, and layout planning. I haven't mentioned Plagerism to the kids yet but the IB is very particular on it and I can see it being an upcoming lesson area. Projects I have in mind for the kids are varied since its not limited to basic craft skills, so for the Year 6 equivalent 2nd years we will be doing a Bridge Building Exercise to teach some basic mechanics. My Glasgow University Lecturer is probably hiding her head in her hands, since as feedback on mechanics I told her I couldn't remember a thing about what she taught, that said I feel she did give me enough knowledge to tackle this without any fear of failure so thanks Maggie. We will then be doing a CAM based model and finishing off on an Acrylic Clock. With the Year 8's equivalent 4th year we will be doing a product design exercise to produce some sort of learning aid for the on site Primary School
the actual design and manufacture will be worked out after the pupils have carried out their research. Their final project of the 2 they will attempt is an architectural one where I am hoping to get them to build a scale model of the school and its grounds. This will include an interactive electronic map system so if they select the Art Department and press the relevant button, the department lights will come on showing its location. This project will basically give some simple carcase construction, utilise almost all materials available and be a good group project (and hopefully something the school will display in the main reception to show the ability of its students.) Diana my colleague has some equally exciting projects (Some I wish I had thought of) including jewellery design using pewter and a really cool 3 dimensional planometric room idea - starting with a simple planometric then building it up into a 3d room layout.

The projects are exciting but to give my classes a running start we are going to do a very short and simple Tangram Project with all classes that will give an exemplar folio format to follow and quick experience of the tools and equipment at our disposal. I am looking forward to seeing how these kids will perform but I am not concerned with them failing but more with whether I will be challenging them enough.