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Applying your design and technology knowledge in the HSC written examination
The examination in Design and Technology consists of two sections:
Section I: a written paper worth 40 marks
Section II: a major design project worth 60 marks.
Applying the knowledge and skills you have developed over the course to the HSC written paper requires some thought and planning. You will be asked questions about your case study and your major design project (MDP) in the examination. Use this tutorial to apply the knowledge that you have gained working on your innovation case study and the major design project to sample examination questions. Capitalise on your design and technology experiences and make the most of the 40% the written paper contributes to your final external assessment score.
As an ongoing activity record what you learn, keep a learning log. A learning log is different to a log book, which tends to focus on tasks carried out. A learning log allows you to reflect on what you learned during the project, ideally in relation to syllabus outcomes where possible. Review the learning log books prior to the examination.
Reflect on your experiences
One of the important aspects of preparing for the HSC examination is to reflect on your experiences and unpack what you have learnt. This reflection helps you to:
- consider your strengths and weaknesses (to know where you need future support or more work)
- link what you have done and learnt, to the theory outlined in the syllabus
- know how and when you can use the knowledge, experiences and examples gained during the case study or MDP in a written examination
- provide summaries that can be used later when studying for written examinations
- better understand the glossary of key terms and what is required when you respond to them in a written examination.
This reflection should be done for every topic or learning activity and it can occur both during and after the activity.
The aim of reflection is to enhance your written answers with appropriate knowledge, experiences and examples you have gained from your practical experiences.
Methods to reflect on learning
There are many ways you can reflect on your learning. Consider these questions:
- What have I learned?
- How is it important to my study of design and technology?
- How does this connect with what I've learned before?
- Have I achieved what I set out to do?
- What do I need to learn next?
- What did I think of the learning process?
- How could I do this better next time?
- What parts of the syllabus have I just covered?
- What experiences could I use from the innovation case study to support a written examination question?
Complete the activities presented in this tutorial to help you prepare for the HSC examination.
Activity 1
Check the syllabusto determine which learn to and learn about points have been addressed by the innovation case study, MDP or activity you are considering.
Activity 2
Summarise what you have learnt or applied by:
a) cross-referencing your innovation case study, MDP or activity experiences against syllabus content using a grid or template. See table 1 below. b) creating a mind map of your innovation case study, MDP or an activity and show how it links to the syllabus c) developing a one-page summary of the significant features of the innovation case study, MDP or activity d) recording an explanation of the technical terms and concepts you have used.
Cross-referencing grid
Table 1 is an example of a cross reference grid for a student reflecting on what they have learnt from the sample innovation case study: Fibre bragg gratings.
The first and second columns contain the content and outcomes covered during the case study. (This information is drawn from the syllabus).
The third column is where you can add information or principles about what you have learnt in relation to the content. (This can vary depending upon the outcomes, content and the nature of the case study.)
The fourth column is where you can summarise examples from your case study that used the principles outlined in the third column. These examples illustrate how the concept is used or applied.
Related outcomes
A student:
Related syllabus content
Students learn about:
What are the broad principles you have learned? Choose examples from your case study to illustrate the outcomes and content H1.1 critically analyses the factors affecting design and the development and success of design projects H2.1 explains the influence of trends in society on design and production H2.2 evaluates the impact of design and innovation on society and the environment Ethical and environmental issues etc Table 1: Reflection cross-reference grid
Activity 3
Practice using the knowledge and skills you have learnt by:
- reviewing past HSC examinations to find and complete questions where you can apply the knowledge and skills from your innovation case study, MDP or activity.
- checking that you can answer the questions in the Guidelines for completing the HSC innovation case study tutorial.
Tips to remember during the examination
- Always read the question more than once, carefully, and highlight the keywords.
- Make sure that you address these keywords fully in your answer.
- Ensure that you understand the meaning of each of the keywords used by the Board of Studies so that you answer the question as intended.
- Be aware of negatives such as hasn't and didn't, which change the context of a question.
