Design is a discipline that focuses on the creation of a plan or convention for the construction of an object, system or measurable human interaction. It encapsulates designing of architectural blueprints, engineering drawings, business and manufacturing processes, circuit diagrams, and fashion, textiles and apparel construction through design thinking and the application of the elements and principles of design which are common to most, if not all fields and industries. Technology focuses on the advancements and evolution of a modern digital society based on technological and experiential innovation. This course of study in Design and Technology will provide opportunities for students to be engaged in a process where they capture creative, innovative solutions that are functional and aesthetically pleasing while contributing to wealth creation. The multidisciplinary nature of the syllabus will also prepare students for further studies or immediate entry into the world of work through employment or entrepreneurial ventures that allow for the fusion of art, science, technology and engineering on a blank canvas to create processes or products that can be commercialised.
Through this study of Design and Technology, students will also develop transferrable critical thinking, collaboration, communication, innovation, artistry, digital, scientific, environmental and solutions oriented focused skills that are relevant to aesthetic, economic, and socio-political development in the Twenty-first Century. The Design and Technology Syllabus will also help to increase the pool of culturally sensitive and creative designers who are solutions driven to serve as industrial, user interface and experience, product, narrative, service, furniture, spatial automotive, agriculture, entertainment, jewellery, fashion and textile designers.
Design and Technology will contribute to the development of Ideal Caribbean Persons who are independent, critical and divergent thinkers who apply the principles of science, engineering, technology and sustainability to designing while living in harmony with the environment. These persons also place high value on entrepreneurship and innovation as a vehicle for economic growth. This course of study will also help candidates to meet the criteria of the UNESCO Pillars of Learning, which are, Learning to know, Learning to be, Learning to do, Learning to live together, and Learning to transform themselves and society.