Pre-planning
Ross decided on a Technology approach within the Graphics programme, using the cross-over in these subjects to work on raising the numbers taking Technology. He came up with a new programme which would motivate students and also give them the chance to gain 42 credits in NCEA.
Ross planned that the Graphics students would pick up some Technology achievement standards, realise that it was what they were already doing, and be inspired to pick up Technology as a subject to complement their Graphics in the future.
While thinking about possible projects that would both grab the students' interest and be achievable, Ross came up with that essential teenage lifeline – the cellphone. He decided to approach a mobile phone company to discuss a unit where students would design a cellphone, with the company acting as a major stakeholder.
An ex-student managed a local cellphone sales outlet and agreed to become involved as the students' client.
