Technological and applied studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.
In TAS, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons.
The continuum of technology learning is:
- mandated from Kindergarten to Year 8 through Science and Technology K-6 and Technology Mandatory Years 7-8 syllabuses
- based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply knowledge, skills and understanding to design and produce solutions
- optional for student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design.
Available courses include:
- Technology Mandatory Years 7-8
- Agricultural Technology Years 7-10
- Design and Technology Years 7-10
- Food Technology Years 7-10
- Graphics Technology Years 7-10
- Industrial Technology Years 7-10
- Information and Software Technology Years 7-10
- Textiles Technology Years 7-10
- Agriculture Stage 6
- Design and Technology Stage 6
- Engineering Studies Stage 6
- Food Technology Stage 6
- Industrial Technology Stage 6
- Information Processes and Technology Stage 6
- Software Design and Development Stage 6
- Textiles and Design Stage 6.
Technological and Applied Studies offers a unique learning situation. It is an environment which allows application, testing and experimentation with a variety of tools, materials and equipment through:
- An appreciation of the process of design, planning and construction
- knowledge of the technology on which the process is based
- A range of skills useful to the individual in taking their place in society
Courses offered in 7 to 10
- Yr 7 & 8 Technology (Mandatory)
- Yr 8 elective courses offered - Wood, Metal, Electronics, Engineering, Food and Textiles
- Yr 9 & 10 elective courses offered:
- Graphics & Drawing Technology
Industrial Technology courses including:
- Timber
- Metal
- Electronics
- Building and Construction
- Engineering
- Food Technology
- Textiles Technology
- Child Studies
- Information Systems and Software - Digital and Multimedia
Courses offered in Years 11 & 12
- Engineering Studies
- Industrial Technology
- Design and Technology
- Food Technology
- Community and Family Studies
- Textiles and Design
- Exploring Early Childhood
- VET - Information & Digital Technology
- VET - Construction
- VET - Metal and Engineering
- VET - Hospitality
Extension Programs
Extension programs allow students to use their skills to further develop in different technological settings outside the classroom. The TAS faculty has the following extension programs operating:
- 3D Printing and 3D scanning facilities. Students use the 3D printer in a range of learning tasks.
- Arduino programming
- Honeywell Engineering Summer School
- Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing. Students use the Roland Modela MDX-20 and SV Stika-15 CAM machines to create and cut designs using a range of materials.
- Catering at formal functions by food and hospitality students.
- Textiles and Design 'S&S Workshops' and the 'wool fashion awards'.
Support Programs
All teaching programs, practices and facilities in the technology workshops cater for students with special needs. They are equipped with ramps and have access to specialised workstations so all students can experience learning in the technological environment.
Technology
Year 7 and 8
The Years 7-8 technology (mandatory) course (over 200 hours) gives students an appreciation of design/design processes and an understanding of how humankind uses technologies to develop creative and innovative solutions to real problems.
Students learn about technology by undertaking design projects in the areas of built environments, products and information/communications. Throughout the course, students research the work of designers and the impact advances in technology has on society and the environment. In doing so, they gain an understanding of the factors that influence design, including function and aesthetics.
The Year 7 and 8 technology course has a range of specialised courses on offer and may include:
- Agricultural technology
- Wood Technology
- Metal Technology
- Food technology
- Graphics technology
- Information and software technology
- Textiles technology
Experiences in designing, producing and evaluating become increasingly sophisticated as students progress through mandatory and elective courses in the technology learning areas.
Design and Technology
Year 11 and 12
Design and Technology is designed to develop students' confidence, competence and responsibility in designing, producing and evaluating to meet needs and opportunities, and to understand the factors that contribute to successful design and production.
Students will develop:
- Knowledge and understanding about design theory and design processes in a range of contexts;
- Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the interrelationship of design, technology, society and the environment;
- Creativity and an understanding of innovation and entrepreneurial activity in a range of contexts;
- Skills in the application of design processes to design, produce and evaluate quality design projects that satisfy identified needs and opportunities;
- Skills in research, communication and management in design and production;
- Knowledge and understanding about current and emerging technologies in a variety of settings.
Food Technology
Year 8, 9 and 10
The study of Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the nature and role of food. Areas of nutrition, food safety, food processing and technology, and preparation will form the basis for the subject.
Study in Food Technology will be based upon the following topic areas:
- Food for Thought - Surprise Packet
- Lets Celebrate - Australian Cuisine
- Healthy Wealthy and Wise - Coffee Shop
Students will be expected to be involved in and complete the following to meet course requirements and outcomes:
- Significant number of practical experiences as it relates to the topic being explored
- Assigned research tasks
- Group tasks
- Project work involving designing, producing and evaluating solutions for specific food purposes
Year 11 and 12
Food Technology provides opportunities for students to develop:
- Knowledge and understanding about food systems
- Processing and consumption of food and an appreciation of their impact on society
- Knowledge and understanding about the nature of food and human nutrition and an appreciation of the importance of food to health
- Skills in researching
- Analysing and communicating food issues
- Skills in experimenting with and preparing food by applying theoretical concepts
- Skills in designing, implementing and evaluating solutions to food situations
VET - Hospitality
Year 11 and 12
This course is based on units of competency, which have been developed by the hospitality industry to describe the competencies, skills and knowledge required by workers in the industry.
Hospitality focuses on providing customer service. Skills learned can be transferred across a range of industries. Workplaces for which Hospitality competencies are required include cafes, catering organisations and resorts.
Working in the hospitality industry involves:
- supporting and working with colleagues to meet goals and provide a high level of customer service
- developing menus, managing resources, preparing, cooking and serving a range of dishes
- providing food and beverage service in a range of settings
- providing house keeping and front office services in hotels, motels, resorts and other hospitality establishments
- planning and organising events and managing services
Samples of occupations students can aim for in the hospitality industry:
- bar assistant
- chef
- events coordinator
- food & beverage manager
- reservations clerk
- front office receptionist
- guest service coordinator
The course incorporates core units of competency plus units from various functional areas such as: kitchen attending, commercial cookery, commercial catering, food and beverage, front office, housekeeping and sales/office operations.
Industrial Technology
Industrial Technology - Timber
Year 8, 9, 10
The Timber focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the timber and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to timber which are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:
- Cabinetwork
- Wood Machining.
Practical projects undertaken should reflect the nature of the Timber focus area and provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to timber-related technologies.
These may include:
- furniture items
- decorative timber products
- storage and transportation products
- small stepladders or similar
- storage and display units.
Projects should promote the sequential development of skills and reflect an increasing degree of student autonomy as they progress through the course
Industrial Technology Timber & Furniture Products
Year 11 and 12
Industrial technology gives students knowledge and skills in a particular industry and increases job opportunities in a range of practical applications. It also counts highly towards the ATAR for tertiary study. Only one of industrial technology metal and engineering and industrial technology timber & funiture products can be studied for the HSC.
Some examples of employment opportunities are:
- Industrial Design
- Product & Furniture Design
- Graphics Design
- Industrial Technology Teachers
- Project Managers
- Builders & Cabinet Makers
Students complete practical projects and the HSC course is broken up in the following areas:
- HSC Examination - One written paper of one and a half hours worth 40% of the HSC.
- Major Project and management folio worth 60% of the HSC.
Industrial Technology - Metal
Year 8, 9 and 10
The Metal focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the metal and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to metal or art metal which are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:
- Metal Machining
- Fabrication
- or
- Art Metal
- Jewellery.
Practical projects should reflect the nature of the Metal focus area and provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to metal-related technologies. These may include:
- sheet metal products
- metal machining projects
- fabricated projects
- artistic metal projects
- jewellery and accessories.
Student projects promote the development of skills and reflect an increasing degree of student autonomy as they progress through the course.
Metal & Engineering
VET Year 11 and 12
This course is based on units of competency, which have been developed by the metal, engineering and related service industries to describe the competencies, skills and knowledge required by workers in the industry.
The manufacturing, engineering and related service industries include a wide range of industry sectors. The major industry activities and sectors are metal fabrication, metal manufacturing, aeroskills, metal machining, transport equipment manufacturing, electrical equipment and appliance manufacturing, and industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing.
Most occupations within the industry have been subject to significant change within the last decade. In some areas career paths are converging with those in computer programming.
Working in the metal and engineering industry involves:
- Constructing, assembling, installing, modifying, repairing and maintaining machines
- Assembling, making parts, equipment, machines, instruments and tools
- Designing machinery, parts, computer hardware and electronic circuits, using 3D graphics and drafting skills
- Managing clients and staff, overseeing quotas and information, leading projects.
Samples of occupations students can aim for in the metal and engineering industry:
- engineering draftsperson
- engineer (automotive, fabrications, production, plastics, marine,mechanical)
- fitter
- instrument maker
- maintenance fitter
- structural steel and welding supervisor
- toolmaker
Industrial Technology - Metal and Engineering
Year 11 and 12
Industrial technology gives students knowledge and skills in a particular industry and increases job opportunities in a range of practical applications. It also counts towards the ATAR for tertiary study. Only one of industrial technology metal & engineering and industrial technology timber & furniture products can be studied for the HSC. It may lead to careers in a range of fields including:
- Industrial design
- Graphic design
- Fitter and Machinist
- Metal Fabricator
- Boiler Maker
- Industrial Technology Teacher
- Various Building Trades
Students complete practical projects and the HSC course is broken up in the following areas:
- HSC Examination - One written paper of one and a half hours worth 40% of the HSC.
- Major Project and management folio worth 60% of the HSC.
Industrial Technology -Electronics
Year 9 and 10
The Electronics focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the electronics and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to electronics which are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:
- Circuits and Components
- Computer Repair and Construction.
Practical projects should reflect the nature of the Electronics focus area and provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to electronics-related technologies. These may include:
- electronic circuits and kits
- electronic controlled devices
- robotic projectscomputer systems
- work undertaken on isolated computer components.
Industrial Technology - Building & Construction
Year 9 and 10
The Building and Construction focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the building and associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to building and construction. These are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:
- Construction and Renovation
- Outdoor Structures and Landscapes.
Practical projects should reflect the nature of the Building and Construction focus area and provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to building and construction-related technologies. They may include:
- construction of small structures
- scale models
- elementary repairs and renovations
- development of garden and recreational areas
- work undertaken on isolated building models and mock-ups.
VET Construction
Year 11 and 12
This course is based on units of competency, which have been developed by the construction industry to describe the competencies, skills and knowledge required by workers in the industry.
Construction provides students with the opportunity to gain a range of skills suitable for employment in the construction industry and to provide pathways for further study.
Working in the construction industry involves:
- constructing buildings
- modifying buildings
- contracting
- designing buildings
- measuring materials and sites
- communicating with clients
Samples of occupations students can aim for in the construction industry:
- Building
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Concreting
- Glazing
- Joinery
- Roofing
- Shop fitting
- Tiling
- Painting and decorating
The course incorporates core units plus a range of elective units from the General Construction sector.
A mandatory WorkCover NSW approved general WH&S induction-training program, as well as a work activity WH&S training and site-specific WH&S training must be completed before students are allowed onto a work site.
Industrial Technology - Engineering
Year 9 and 10
The Engineering focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to engineering and its associated industries.
Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to structures and mechanisms. These are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:
- Control Systems
- Alternative Energy.
Practical projects should reflect the nature of the Engineering focus area and provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to engineering. These may include:
- small structures
- small vehicles
- a range of devices and appliances
- robotics projects
- electronic and mechanical control systems.
Engineering Studies
Year 11 and 12
The aim of Engineering Studies is to develop students' understanding and appreciation of the nature and significance of engineering and its impact on society with an emphasis on the application of engineering methodology.
Students will develop:
- Understanding of the scope of engineering and the role of the engineer
- knowledge and understanding of engineering principles and an appreciation of the responsibilities of engineers in society
- communication skills appropriate to engineering practices
- knowledge and understanding of developments in technology and an appreciation of their influence on people and engineering practice
- management and problem-solving skills in engineering contexts
- skills in the application of engineering methodology
Information Technology
Information Systems and Software - Digital Media & Multimedia
Year 9 and 10
The study of information systems and software will provide students with a broad range of skills in the use and manipulation of hardware and software.
Study in Information Systems and Software is based on the following topics:
- Game maker
- MinecraftEDU
- Photoshop
- Adobe Flash
- HTML Webpage Programming
- Coding & Programming
- Dreamweaver
- Video Production
VET - Information & Digital Technology
Year 11 and 12
Information & digital technology offers training opportunities to students who are interested in designing web pages, software and games, creating programs, systems and databases, networking computers and finding solutions to technical and software problems.
This course is based on units of competency, which have been developed by the information technology industry to describe the competencies, skills and knowledge required by workers in the industry.
Working in the information technology industry involves:
- designing web pages
- networking computers
- supporting computer users
- communicating with clients
- finding solutions to software problems
Samples of occupations students can aim for in the information technology industry:
- Desktop publisher
- Help desk officer
- Internet specialist
- Multimedia developer
- Network administrator
- Service technician
- Software developer
- Technical support officer
- Web designer
Students concentrate on developing a range of fundamental skills required to prepare them to work effectively in an environment where information technology is used. These include oral and written communication skills, teamwork skills, efficient use of a range of software application packages, essential computer hardware management and work health and safety competencies.
Textile and Design
Year 8, 9 and 10
Course Description: Fashion and Design is concerned with three areas of study:
- Design
- Properties and Performance of Textiles
- Textiles and Society and is organised into the following units of work: In the Bag - Creative Arts, Fashion Flair - Toy World, Dreamtime - That’s My Choice
Each unit of work will contain project work from the area of study appropriate to the project and focus area being selected, thereby developing practical skills in designing, producing and evaluating.
Focal areas upon which project work will be based include:
- Apparel – includes clothing and accessories (hats, jewellery, belts)
- Furnishings – include curtains, cushions, quilt covers, bean bags
- Costume – includes fantasy characters, masks, theatre costumes
- Textile Arts – includes dyeing, printing, beading, embroidery, quilting, appliqué and wearable art.
- Non-apparel – includes toy making, puppets, children’s books bags, dolls.
All project work will be documented and can be presented in a variety of ways, which may include digital portfolio, design folio, diary, journal or any other appropriate method.
A subject fee applies to cover costs of resources and specialist equipment. Students will be required to provide materials for project work. This will vary depending on the nature of the project undertaken.
Year 11 and 12
Textiles and Design provides opportunities for students to develop:
- Knowledge and understanding of the functional and aesthetic requirements of textiles for a range of applications
- Practical skills in design and manipulation of textiles through the use of appropriate technologies
- The ability to apply knowledge and understanding of the properties and performance of textiles to the development and manufacture of textile items
- Skills in experimentation, critical analysis and the discriminatory selection of textiles for specific end-uses
- Knowledge and understanding of Australian Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Allied Industries
- An appreciation of the significance of textiles in society.
Community and Family Studies
Year 11 and 12
Community and Family Studies aims to develop in each student an ability to manage resources and take action to support the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities in Australian society.
Students will develop:
- Knowledge and understanding about resource management and its role in ensuring individual, group, family and community wellbeing
- Knowledge and understanding about the contribution positive relationships make to individual, group, family and community wellbeing
- Knowledge and understanding about the influence of a range of societal factors on individuals and the nature of groups, families and communities
- Knowledge and understanding about research methodology and skills in researching, analysing and communicating
- Skills in the application of management processes to meet the needs of individuals, groups, families and communities
- Skills in critical thinking and the ability to take responsible action to promote wellbeing
- An appreciation of the diversity and interdependence of individuals, groups, families and communities
Child Studies and Exploring Early Childhood
Child Studies
Year 9 and 10
This course has been developed to cover the many different aspects in Child Care.
The students will examine topics from conception to birth, the role of the family in child care, learning through play, child safety, childhood health, child abuse and children with special needs.
Students will learn through practical experience, observation, research and guest speakers. This course is an excellent introduction for a future in Child Care.
Exploring Early Childhood
Year 11 and 12
Exploring Early Childhood aims to develop understanding, skills and strategies to enable students to support and foster positive growth and development in the young children with whom they interact through the provision of safe, nurturing and challenging environments.
Students will develop:
- Knowledge and understanding about the physical, social-emotional, behavioural, cognitive and language development of young children
- Knowledge and understanding about the environmental factors that have an impact upon young children's growth and development
- Knowledge and understanding about the development and maintenance of positive behaviours and relationships with young children
- Skills in communication and interaction
- Skills in research and analysis
- Skills in decision making and evaluation
- Respect for the individuality and uniqueness of young children and their families
- An appreciation of the value and importance of supportive and responsible relationships with young children.