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 use a range of tools, materials and techniques in the design process and technological experiences through theory and practical lessons. As well as the mandatory study of technology, students can select from a range of elective TAS subjects.
The continuum of technology learning is:
- based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to design and produce solutions for authentic needs and opportunities
- an option for student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design.
Available courses include:
- Agricultural Technology 7-10
- Design and Technology 7-10
- Food Technology 7-10
- Graphics Technology 7-10
- Industrial Technology 7-10
- Information and Software Technology 7-10
- Textiles Technology 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.
Home Economics 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 of 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.
Courses in Industrial Arts are designed to develop a students' knowledge and understanding of selected industry related technologies. There is an emphasis on design, management and production through practical applications.
Food Technology
Food Technology provides opportunities for students to develop:
- knowledge and understanding about food systems in the production, 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.
- an appreciation of the significance of textiles in society.
Textiles and Design
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
Information Process and Technology
The Information Processes and Technology course, teaches students about information-based systems. It covers the processes of collecting, organising, analysing, storing and retrieving, processing, transmitting and receiving, and displaying, as well as the technologies that support them. With this background, students will be well placed to adapt to new technologies as they emerge.
Information Processes and Technology is designed to enable students to become confident, competent, discriminating and ethical users of information technologies, to possess an understanding of information processes and to appreciate the effect of information systems on society.
Students will develop:
- knowledge and understanding of the nature and function of information systems
- knowledge and understanding of interrelationships among information processes
- an understanding and appreciation of social and ethical issues pertaining to information systems, technologies and processes
- an understanding and appreciation of the emerging nature of information systems, technologies and processes within a historical context
- skills in the discriminatory selection and ethical use of appropriate resources and tools to support information systems
- skills and techniques to creatively and methodically plan, design and implement information systems to address needs
- skills in management, communication and teamwork in relation to individual and group activities.
Information Technology
The Information Technology Curriculum Framework is designed to provide students with appropriate learning opportunities that will enable them to acquire a range of technical, personal and interpersonal skills valued both within and beyond the workplace as well as underpinning skills and knowledge related to the support and management of information technology.
The Information Technology course provides students with:
- an opportunity to develop competencies associated with the use and support of desktop applications relevant to an information technology setting.
- an opportunity to develop competencies associated with the use and support of desktop applications and to develop additional competencies in an area of interest.
- opportunities to develop and enhance competencies relevant to employment in industries where information technology is used.
- a range of opportunities to develop and enhance competencies in an area of specialisation relevant to employment where information technology is used.
Software Design and Development
The Software Design and Development is designed to develop in students the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to solve problems through the creation of software solutions.
Students will develop:
- knowledge and understanding about how software solutions utilise and interact with other elements of computer systems
- knowledge and understanding of the historical developments that have led to current practices in software design and development, and of emerging trends and technologies in this field
- knowledge and understanding of legal, social and ethical issues and their effect on software design and development
- skills in designing and developing software solutions
- skills in management appropriate to the design and development of software solutions
- skills in teamwork and communication associated with the design and development of software solutions.