Technologies

Technologies
The Technologies Learning Area encompasses the two areas of Digital Technologies and Design and Technologies

Digital Technologies
In Years 7 and 8, students are introduced to fundamental concepts in computer software, hardware, networks and programming. These provide a firm foundation of skills and knowledge that enables students to make sense of and engage with digital environments.

Students develop an understanding of computer systems, the management of data and use various software applications to investigate, design, construct and evaluate digital products and digital solutions. Students learn how images and sound are represented by data, develop coding skills in Scratch and Python, and use digital tools to perform data collection and analysis.

Students learn to use ICT in a practical, responsible and informed manner, and how to be safe when engaging with others and on-line.

ELECTIVES
In Years 9 and 10, students can build upon these skills by selecting subjects in specialised applications such as:

• Game Development
• Website Design
• Robotics (designing and building robotic systems)

In these highly engaging and enjoyable subjects, students develop advanced digital skills and create increasingly sophisticated digital products and solutions.

The skills acquired in these courses equip students to be better prepared for their current studies, future employment and training, and pathways to ICT and technology based-careers.

Home Economics, Food Specialisations and Textiles (including Craft and Children and Family Studies)

In our foundation (Year 7) Home Economics course, students are introduced to food and textiles education through hands-on learning, practical projects and theory lessons. Home Economics education helps students to become independent young people with and increased capacity to look after themselves and contribute to family well-being.

Students learn basic hand-sewing and machine-sewing skills enabling them to design and produce several personalised projects to showcase their skills.

Students also learn food preparation skills and basic kitchen operations enabling them to prepare food in a safe and hygienic manner. Students are educated on how to make healthy food decisions, and to produce and share snacks and meals that are in keeping with the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

ELECTIVES
Food Specialisations

In Years 9 and 10, students can explore a variety of Food Specialisations courses which have been curated to cater for the diverse interests of our students. Students develop the skills required to design, prepare and share delicious (and nutritious) snacks, meals and treats, and how to cater for events. These highly popular courses include:

• Food and Fitness
• Camp Cooking
• Masterchefs
• Cultural Cuisine
• Baking

Food Science and Technology and Certificate II in Hospitality are offered in Years 11 and 12 for students wishing to continue in this subject area.

Textiles and Craft
We are delighted to be able to offer students textile and craft-based courses allowing them to build upon their technical and production skills. Students have the opportunity to design and create various garments, textile products and craft items. They will be introduced to pattern reading, advanced sewing skills and use specialised technologies to create their items. Courses available for student selection include:

• Craft and scrapbooking
• Fashion and textiles

Children and Family Studies
For students who may be interested in childcare or teaching, this focus area introduces them to child development and how to care for children. They will look closely at positive play environments and the requirements to work with children. Students will also gain an insight into the responsibilities, costs, impact of technologies and safety requirements when caring for young children, and how to select suitable play activities, stories and songs for children.

Courses offered include:

• Caring for Babies
• Caring for Children

These courses provide a foundation for the Children, Families and Community course of study offered in Year 11 and 12.

Engineering Specialisations
ELECTIVES
Our Year 9 and 10 courses are suitable for beginner and more advanced students wishing to design and create projects or solutions to a variety of problems. Students learn how to use industry standard CAD (computer assisted drawing) software in the design process and further develop skills in the use of hand tools and specialised equipment including 3D printers and CNC laser cutters to produce items. Students learn about electronics (circuit theory and components), how to use circuit design software and use chemical processes to produce, and then solder circuit boards used in their projects.

Using these skills, past students have successfully completed activities such as manufacturing wooden dragster cars which reach speeds of around 80 km/hr when launched down a racetrack, the creation of unique flashing LED acrylic signs, and the production of fully functioning drones and underwater vehicles.

Courses available for selection include:

• Electronics
• Drone development
• Engineering ROVs (Underwater remotely operated vehicles)
• CAD and Cars

The skills developed in these courses are transferable to Engineering Studies and Materials Design and Technologies courses offered in Year 11 and 12.

Materials and Technologies Specialisation
Materials Technologies is inclusive of wood, metal, plastic and other materials which are used in the production of student projects. Student knowledge is enhanced through theory lessons and hands-on activities in individual and group settings.

In Year 8, students are introduced to the workshop and learn how to safely engage with equipment and others in this environment. Students learn to confidently and independently use a variety of hand and power tools and machinery required for production through skill building exercises. Students will also learn about the design process during the development of a variety of products and utilise these in the creation of various items.

ELECTIVES
Semesterised courses are offered to students in Year 9 and 10, with each semester having a different focus project. Students learn about and apply design fundamentals and are encouraged to be creative and to use initiative when designing and producing projects. Students will gain an increased understanding of the properties of different materials, where they are sourced, the cost and effect on society and the environment, and their suitability for different projects. Students are progressively introduced to relevant technology skills and effective project management during these courses. Some skills that the students may be exposed to include joinery, finishing techniques, welding, wood turning, furniture design and construction. Courses available include:

• Design and Woodwork
• Design and Construction
• Metalwork

The skills developed in these courses are transferable to the Materials Design and Technologies and Engineering Studies courses offered in Year 11 and 12.