Art & Technology
Specialist Subjects at Balmoral
We are extremely privileged to have four amazing teachers who have specialist knowledge to pass on to our students. In the two years that students spend at Intermediate School, they experience Science, Art, Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Multi Materials and Music. Each year they are taught four of these subjects and will gain skills and knowledge they will use later in their lives or go on to use and expand on at college.
Art
The year 7 students are currently involved in a specialist art programme, consisting of a 10-week block of 3 ninety-minute sessions a week. The emphasis is on giving the students experience in a wide range of practical art mediums. We focus on developing skills and confidence to be able to express themselves in art. As part of the programme, there is also an “Art History 101” element, exposing students to the art movements and ideas that have influenced world art.
Multi Materials
At Balmoral Intermediate, we see both Year 7 & 8 students for three 90-minute sessions for a 10-week block. Within this time, students are taught how to safely use the equipment available to them. We have a range of hand saws and finishing tools as well as scroll saws, soldering irons, hot pokers, and dremels, as well as being lucky enough to have a laser cutter that we can program to cut and etch numerous materials.
Students experience a hands-on programme where they design, prototype and then make items they take home. Some projects include clocks, LED acrylic lights, wooden signs, acrylic jewellery and keytags.
Our ākonga are able to and are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with ideas that will suit the end user. They are given an ‘umbrella’ idea and then design an item that they themselves will love or that they are able to gift to someone. Gone are the days of students coming home with a pencil box that looks exactly the same as every other year 7 with a sliding lid that they may have been lucky enough to personalise with a hot poker or vivid.
Textiles Technology
Year 7 and 8 students follow a 10 week block three times a week for 90 minutes. Here they will learn how to use equipment and the sewing machine independently. As well as producing samples for different techniques such as tie-dying, seams and hemming.
Students will also work through the design process to design and make a product that meets an identified need and that is fit for purpose. Examples of products include bags, cushions, hats, soft toys and lounge wear.
Science
Specialist science is currently taught to the Year 8 students. They get to experience a hands-on, experiment/activity-based science programme, covering the 3 main sciences - physics, chemistry and biology..We have a dedicated science lab in which to do this. The focus is on the students developing their science skills and attitudes, working on being curious, testing ideas, being observant and making connections. Each Year 8 student also undertakes a 3-week robotics block using the EV3 Mindstorm robots. Across the year, students have a 10-week block with three 90-minute sessions each week. Recent activities have included making catapults, propeller-powered jalopies, bridges, crystals and fish dissections.
Food Technology
Year 7 and 8 students will have a 10 week block three times a week for 90 minutes. During this time students will develop and master a range of food preparation techniques, hygiene and kitchen safety as well as nutrition and budgeting.
Students learn how to cook nutritious products using many different ingredients and equipment with others.
Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and create ideas of their own working through the technology design process. Examples include design and making a product for the tuck shop or a cultural meal for the family that uses a staple food item.