Introduction Technology education assists students to develop an understanding of the impact of technologies on culture, society and the environment. It provides opportunities for innovation, creativity, enterprise, management, collaboration and communication. Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) caters for a broad range of student interests, abilities and backgrounds through the practical application of knowledge and the development of skills and attitudes within a variety of Technology courses which involve researching, designing, manipulating and producing products, systems and environments. Our courses engage students in a diverse range of practical activities that provide opportunities for them to achieve success in areas relevant to them as individuals and to society. In each course the concept of technology is explored from simple technologies to more complex ones. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn about and use a variety of resources, materials, tools and techniques to solve problems and meet identified needs. The College has a wide array of facilities and equipment that enables us to offer a broad range of courses in both the junior and senior school. We have nine well-equipped specialist rooms that cater for courses associated with food, textiles, wood, metal and information and communication technologies. Our machine workshop is equipped with the latest in fume and dust extraction technology to ensure a safe work environment.
Course Outline
Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8)
Technology - This course is concerned with the process of practical problem solving through the major themes of innovation and emerging technologies. Students record their progress in portfolios and work with a variety of mediums including wood, food, graphics, textiles and computing.
Wood Technology - In this course students learn about the various tools, machines, materials and components that are used in the woodworking field.
Food Technology - This course gives students an appreciation of basics of nutrition, food preparation and hygiene as they relate to everyday life.
Graphics Technology - This course is designed to teach students how to communicate their ideas using a range of graphical forms. This is particularly relevant to technical ideas where a drawing can convey ideas and information far more efficiently than a verbal or written explanation.
Textiles Technology - This course gives students an understanding of basic textile construction and design skills. They apply construction and decorative techniques to fabrics and research the different properties of fabrics and fibres. Computing covers activities such as word processing, collecting, organising, analysing, storing and retrieving information along with transmitting, receiving and displaying.
Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) The following electives are offered within the Technology and Applied Studies key learning areas: Design and Technology - This course provides students with the opportunity to design and develop quality projects by identifying problems and opportunities, researching and investigating existing solutions, analysing data and information, generating, justifying and evaluating ideas and through experimenting with a variety of materials to produce design projects. The diversity of approaches to design projects provides the scope to develop high order thinking and understanding of conceptual principles. The design process caters for a variety of student needs, abilities and interests. The flexible and creative consideration of parameters encourages students to take intellectual risks and experiment with resources when developing projects such as multimedia, architectural design, timber and jewellery making.
Food Technology - This course provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationships, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation in the production of food.
Information and Software Technology - This course assists students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts. Through experiential and collaborative tasks, students engage in processes of analysing, designing, producing, testing, documenting, implementing and evaluating information and software technology-based solutions.
Textiles Technology - This course provides students with broad knowledge of the properties, performance and uses of textiles in which fabrics, colouration, yarns and fibres are explored. Project work that includes investigation and experimentation enables students to discriminate in their choices of textiles for particular uses. Students document and communicate their design ideas and experiences and make use of contemporary technology in their project work. Students investigate the work of textile designers and from this research make judgments about the appropriateness of design ideas, the selection of materials and of tools and the quality of textile items.
Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12) The TAS department offers the following Preliminary and HSC courses:
Design and Technology - This course develops conceptual understanding and enables students to creatively apply their ideas to specific technology through design projects. It also seeks to develop students’ appreciation of the historical and cultural influences on design and the interrelationships of design, technology, society and the environment. It has a unique focus on creativity, innovation and the successful implementation of innovative ideas. It provides opportunities for students to develop design projects in areas of individual interest,
Food Technology - This course develops knowledge through activities that relate to meeting food needs and wants across domestic, commercial and industrial settings. It covers factors that influence food availability, selection and current food consumption patterns in Australia, food handling, safety, role of nutrition in contributing to the health of the individual, food industry, production and processing practices are examined and their impact evaluated.
Information Processes and Technology - This 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. At the completion of this course students will be confident, competent and discriminating users of information processes and information technology. They will appreciate the nature of information, its ethical use and its impact on many aspects of life.
Textiles and Design - This course reflects the important role that textiles play in society. Students investigate textiles through a study of properties and performance. Technology and practical skills are developed and enhanced through the use of textile-related technologies, including those that are computer-based. The concept of design elements and principles, as being both functional and aesthetic and as part of the creative design process, are examined within the specialised field of textiles. |   
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