Introduction to Design & Architecture - Term 4

Course Overview

Give your child the opportunity to think, create, and build like a young designer. This 18-week Design & Architecture programme (Term 3 & 4) introduces students to the fundamentals of design through hands-on projects that combine creativity with real-world problem solving.

Through sketching, model-making, and design thinking, students learn to observe the world around them, imagine new possibilities, and transform their ideas into tangible creations. Along the way, they develop valuable skills in creativity, sustainability, collaboration, and communication, while building a portfolio of work that can support Direct School Admission (DSA) applications where applicable.

Course Content

Throughout the programme, students explore design through a series of engaging weekly projects that progressively develop their creative and technical skills.

Term 4: Designing Playful and Functional Objects (Weeks 10–18):

Students will discover how everyday objects combine creativity with functionality through a range of exciting design challenges.

Over seven weeks, they will:

• Design and build a Marble Run Maze while applying basic physics concepts.
• Explore ergonomics by creating miniature chair prototypes.
• Investigate light and shadow through designing their own lamp.
• Collaborate in pairs to construct a life-size chair using modular design principles.

Each project encourages experimentation, problem-solving, and hands-on making, helping students understand how thoughtful design improves everyday life.

Final 2 Weeks: Showcasing and Presentation

The programme concludes with two weeks dedicated to showcasing students' achievements.

• Week 17: Students learn to create a digital portfolio using Canva, presenting their projects in a professional and organised format.
• Week 18: Students develop verbal presentation skills and confidently share their design process and completed work during an open showcase attended by parents.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will:

• Develop practical making skills through weekly guided projects.
• Apply design thinking by combining creativity, logic, and empathy.
• Build confidence in creative expression and presenting ideas.
• Strengthen problem-solving and collaborative skills through team-based projects.
• Create a portfolio of sketches, models, and presentations that can support future DSA opportunities where relevant.
• Gain interdisciplinary skills across design, architecture, science, engineering, mathematics, and art.

Teaching Method

• Project-Based Learning: Students learn through hands-on projects that turn ideas into tangible creations.
• Design Thinking Approach: Lessons encourage observation, ideation, prototyping, and creative problem-solving.
• Expert Guidance: Experienced instructors provide step-by-step support while encouraging independent thinking.
• Collaborative Learning: Pair and group projects help students develop teamwork and communication skills.
• Portfolio Development: Students document their creative journey through sketches, models, and digital presentations.

Important Notes

• Programme Duration: 18 weeks (Term 3 & 4)
• Term 4 Schedule (Weeks 10–18): Wednesdays, 16 September – 11 November, 4:30pm–6:30pm.
• All materials are provided by DesignTinkers
• The programme concludes with a digital portfolio presentation and an open showcase for parents.
• Students build a portfolio of creative work throughout the programme, which may be valuable for DSA applications where applicable.