Purpose of Sloyd

aims and central knowledge and proficiency areas

The teaching in the subject of wood/metalwork or sloyd shall have the following aims and central knowledge and proficiency areas:

Aims. It shall be the aim of the teaching in the subject of wood/metalwork that the pupils acquire knowledge and proficiency related to creative and craftsmanlike production. They shall develop skills in designing and producing things of an aesthetic and functional value as well as become able to understand the interaction in the process from idea via planning to execution.The imagination, pleasure in creating, and experimental and appraising attitude shall be developed through immersion into the practical manufacture of products in order to thus strengthen the experience of confidence in their own potential. The pupils shall be familiarized with historical and contemporary technologies as well as with areas such as working environment, environment and resource consciousness. The subject shall thus contribute to their understanding of the interaction with our physical environment and nature. The pupils shall be trained in co-operation, participation, and joint responsibility though a method of work where dialogue and co-operation form part of the educational environment.

Central knowledge and proficiency areas. The subject shall have a practical, problem-solving, craftsmanlike and cultural content. The point of departure shall be the pupils' work with the materials: wood, metal etc. The teaching shall alternate between theory and practice. By choosing tasks, which interest the pupil, the pleasure in the work process and in the finished product will be enhanced. What is among other things characteristic of the work process in wood/metalwork is the development from idea to product through sketching, planning, choice of materials and the practical execution. Through their work with the subject, the pupils shall acquire a preparedness which makes them active when it comes to solving practical everyday problems. The pupils shall be given an opportunity to learn about and gain experience with the origin, processing, use and place of the materials in our surroundings. The teaching shall comprise subject-matter such as risk and safety in connection with the work with materials, tools and machines as well as give an insight into the technological development potential within the subject. The teaching shall focus on the pupils' acquisition of proficiency in the use and maintenance of the tools. The pupils' products shall form the point of departure of discussions, which may motivate an aesthetic and functional appraisal. In the teaching, the pupils' attention shall be directed at issues such as economics, ecology, the environment and working environment in connection with resource exploitation and working process. The teaching shall give the pupils the opportunity to become acquainted with original craftsmanlike manufacture, design and technology in order to create an understanding of the culture-historical process.