DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES - CURRICULUM OPTIONS
FOOD TECHNOLOGY (Semester 1)
“To me, food is as much about the moment, the occasion, the location and the company as it is about the taste.” – Heston Blumenthal
Food Technology (Semester 1) introduces students to the essential foundations of cooking, kitchen safety, and food understanding. This course is ideal for students wanting to build confidence while working with a variety of ingredients, recipes, and cookery methods.
Students will prepare a range of dishes, from family favourites to modern, on-trend foods, while developing practical skills and understanding how ingredients behave. Alongside cooking, students explore how food connects to health, culture, and everyday life.
This Semester builds strong, transferable skills that support both independent cooking and further study.
What You Will Learn:
Safe and hygienic food preparation practices
Knife skills and effective use of kitchen equipment
A range of cookery methods (e.g. baking, frying, grilling, simmering)
Preparing a variety of dishes, including family favourites and contemporary foods
Understanding flavour (taste, texture, aroma, colour)
Planning balanced meals using healthy eating guidelines
Introduction to how food choices impact health and lifestyle
Why Choose Food Technology:
Build confidence through structured, hands-on learning
Develop essential cooking and life skills
Work with a wide variety of ingredients and techniques
Create food you recognise, enjoy, and can make at home
Future Pathways:
The skills developed across both semesters provide an excellent foundation for:
Certificate II in Hospitality
Further Food Technology studies
Pathways into hospitality, food science, and culinary careers
FOOD TECHNOLOGY (Semester 2)
"Cooking is an act of love, a way of sharing your soul with the world." – Massimo Bottura
Food Technology (Semester 2) focuses on creative food design, cultural exploration, and independent thinking.
This course is designed so that all students can succeed, whether they completed Semester 1 or are joining for the first time. Key skills are revisited and extended, allowing students to quickly build confidence while working towards more independent and creative outcomes.
Students will design, adapt, and evaluate dishes while exploring how food is influenced by culture, trends, ethics, sustainability, and society. Practical work includes a range of cookery methods and encourages students to think critically about the food they prepare and consume.
What You Will Learn:
Safe and hygienic practices (reinforced and extended)
A range of cooking techniques with increased independence
Designing and adapting recipes to meet a brief
Exploring global cuisines and cultural food influences
Applying flavour principles (taste, texture, aroma, colour, presentation)
Evaluating and improving food products
Understanding ethical, sustainable, and social issues in food
Why Choose Food Technology:
Suitable for both new and returning students
Take greater control and creativity in your cooking
Explore food trends, cultures, and real-world issues
Develop skills in food design and problem-solving
Ideal for students interested in hospitality or food-related careers
Future Pathways:
The skills developed provide an excellent foundation for:
Certificate II in Hospitality
Further Food Technology studies
Pathways into hospitality, food science, and culinary careers
GAME DESIGN (Semester 1)
"The successful free to play games are selling positive emotions. Not content."
– Nicholas Lovell
Want to create your own games? This course will take you behind the scenes of game design, teaching you how to bring your ideas to life—from coding to designing stunning graphics and even monetising your games.
What You Will Learn:
•How to plan and structure engaging computer games
• How to explore programming languages and use game engines
• How to design eye-catching characters, levels, and game assets
• How to create monetisation strategies to make your games successful
Why it Matters:
• Gain skills in coding, digital art, and storytelling for game development
• Develop project management skills by creating complete, playable games
• Build a portfolio of games you can showcase for future opportunities
• Learn important skills for careers in game development, software engineering, and graphic design
The skills that you develop in course will assist you in the following ATAR courses: Computer Science, Applied Information Technology (AIT) and Design.
CYBER SECURITY (Semester 2)
"Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world." – Ginni Rometty
Step into the world of digital protection and learn how to defend against cyber threats! This course equips you with essential skills to identify vulnerabilities, develop security strategies, and safeguard digital assets from cyber-attacks. Through hands-on activities, you'll explore how hackers operate and how to prevent cyber risks in an increasingly connected world.
What You Will Learn:
- Understand different types of cyber threats and their impact
- Develop skills to implement security measures and software protections
- Explore network fundamentals, including how data is stored and transmitted
- Identify vulnerabilities and learn how attackers exploit them
- Apply knowledge through hands-on cyber security exercises
Why It Matters:
- Gain practical experience in cyber security techniques used by professionals
- Develop problem-solving skills applicable to IT, business, and security careers
- Learn about the growing demand for cyber security experts in today’s digital world
- Build foundational knowledge for further studies in technology and cyber defense
The skills that you develop in course will assist you in the following ATAR courses: Computer Science, Applied Information Technology (AIT) and Design.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) (Semester 1)
“Success in creating AI could be the biggest event in human history.” – Stephen Hawking
Bring your curiosity to this new elective being offered in 2027. AI is rapidly becoming a foundational component of computing, potentially changing how all career paths, both within and out with IT sector will operate. Come and learn about generative AI, chatbots, image generation etc, both in and beyond the classroom.
What You Will Learn:
What is AI, the foundational understanding of artificial intelligence, everyday applications
Safe, school-friendly tools
Immediate visual outputs (chatbots, image generation, simple models
Engaging project-based learning
Collaborate with teammates to brainstorm, troubleshoot and innovate
Why It Matters:
Develop automation and programming skills useful in computer science and Digital Technology pathways
Build teamwork and problem-solving abilities valued in future careers
Gain hands-on experience in AI-generated content
Prepare for careers in STEM fields, including AI and software development
The skills that you develop in course will assist you in the following ATAR courses: Computer Science, Digital Technologies, Real-world STEM careers.
LaunchPad: BUILD YOUR FIRST APP (Semester 2)
“Everybody in this country should learn to program a computer... because it teaches you how to think.” – Steve Jobs
Bring your ideas to life by creating your own app! In this exciting and creative course, you’ll learn to code using Apple’s Swift programming language. You’ll design, test, and build an app that solves real problems — just like a real developer. Whether you're into tech, design, or helping others, this course gives you the tools to make your ideas work.
What You Will Learn:
• How to use Swift and SwiftUI to build apps
• How to think like a coder and solve problems step by step
• How to plan, test, and improve your app ideas
• How to work in a team and give feedback• How to be creative and confident with technology
Why It Matters:
• Learn to code using real tools like Swift and Xcode
• Create an app that helps your school or community
• Build a project you can enter in the Apple Swift Student Challenge
• Discover skills useful for future careers in tech and design
• Prepare for senior courses like Computer Science or AIT
The skills that you develop in course will assist you in the following ATAR courses: Computer Science, Applied Information Technology (AIT).
ENGINEERING
“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” – Henry Ford
Curious about how things work or love solving problems? In this hands-on course, you’ll explore the world of engineering through fun projects and real-life challenges. You’ll learn how engineers use science, maths, and design to build solutions for the future.
What You Will Learn:
• How to use maths, physics, and design tools like CAD
• How to build and test ideas using engineering principles
• How to solve problems through hands-on projects
• How to work in a team and share your ideas clearly
Why It Matters:
• Find out about exciting careers in engineering
• Learn how engineers tackle big issues like sustainability
• Get inspired by professionals through guest talks and trips
• Start building the skills needed for future study in engineering
The skills that you develop in this course will assist you in the Year 11/12 General Engineering Studies course.
JEWELLERY DESIGN (Semester 1)
"The details are not the details. They make the design." – Charles Eames
Love to design and make things? In this hands-on course, you’ll create your own jewellery using materials like resin, acrylic, and beads. From sketching your ideas to making your final pieces, you’ll explore your personal style and build a unique collection you can wear, gift, or even sell.
What You Will Learn:
• How to design and make your own jewellery
• How to use materials like resin, acrylic, and beads creatively
• How to choose colours and shapes that make your designs stand out
• How to build a full collection of handmade pieces
• How to turn your jewellery ideas into a small business or passion project
Why It Matters:
• Learn creative and practical skills you can use beyond the classroom
• Discover pathways into fashion, art, or design careers
• Explore how to market and sell your creations
• Get a head start for future design courses in Year 11/12
The skills that you develop in this course will assist you in the Year 11/12 ATAR Design course.
DIGITAL DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION (Semester 1)
"Every artist was first an amateur." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Love to draw or dream of designing your own characters? In this creative course, you’ll bring your ideas to life using digital tools like Photoshop, Procreate, or other illustration software. From sketching to shading, you’ll learn how to make digital art that pops!
What You Will Learn:
• How to use digital tools to create your own artwork
• How to sketch, shade, and add detail like a pro
• How to use colour and layout to improve your designs
• How to design characters and scenes that tell a story
• How to build a portfolio of your best digital illustrations
Why It Matters:
• Learn real skills used in animation, game design, and illustration
• Create artwork for comics, games, or graphic design
• Explore careers in digital art and design
• Prepare for senior design courses in Year 11/12
The skills that you develop in this course will assist you in the Year 11/12 ATAR Design course.
PHOTO STORIES (Semester 2)
“Photography is the art of making memories tangible.” – Destin Sparks
Love storytelling and photography? In this course, you’ll turn your photos into exciting comic-style stories! Using photography, graphic design, and digital editing tools, you’ll create visuals that tell a unique story from start to finish.
What You Will Learn:
• How to use photos to tell a compelling story
• How to edit and manipulate images using software like Photoshop
• How to design comic-style layouts, including speech bubbles and panels
• How to combine photography and text for a dynamic narrative
• How to create your own photo-based comic or graphic story
Why It Matters:
• Learn skills used in visual storytelling, comics, and digital art
• Explore techniques used in advertising, design, and publishing
• Build a portfolio piece that shows off your creativity and design skills
• Discover how to create engaging content for social media or digital projects
The skills that you develop in this course will assist you in the Year 11/12 ATAR Design course.
PRODUCT DESIGN (Semester 2)
"A product is more than just a product. It’s a cohesive, integrated set of experiences." – Jony Ive
Got an idea for something cool? In this course, you’ll turn your ideas into real products! You’ll learn how to sketch, model, and build awesome designs like clocks, mirrors, stationery, or even neon signs. Get creative and discover how products are made—from concept to creation.
What You Will Learn:
• How to come up with creative and practical design ideas
• How to sketch, prototype, and build your own products
• How to work with different materials and tools
• How to design with the user in mind• How to put together a mini portfolio of your finished designs
Why It Matters:
• Learn real skills used in product and industrial design
• Discover how to turn your ideas into things people can use
• Explore creative career paths in design, engineering, and manufacturing
• Build a strong foundation for senior design courses in Year 11/12
The skills that you develop in this course will assist you in the Year 11/12 ATAR Design course.
FROM IDEAS TO ACTION (Semester 1)
"Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things." – Theodore Levitt
Ready to turn your ideas into action? This course lets you lead real-world projects, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in the community. You’ll work with real organizations, manage budgets, and bring your innovative ideas to life.
What You Will Learn:
• How to lead projects and develop your confidence as a leader
• How to work with real clients and organizations to achieve results
• How to manage finances, profits, and budgets effectively
• How to create positive change through community initiatives
Why It Matters:
• Work on projects related to your interests and future career goals
• Gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and problem-solving
• Learn how businesses and social initiatives make a real impact
• Build skills that will set you up for success in future academic and career paths
INNOVATION ACCELERATION PROGRAM (Semester 2)
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs
Ready to turn your ideas into real-world businesses or projects? In this course, you’ll learn the skills, mindset, and strategies to bring your innovations to life. With design thinking, mentorship, and hands-on projects, you’ll gain experience in entrepreneurship and innovation.
What You Will Learn:
• How to use design thinking to solve problems and create innovative solutions
• How to develop an entrepreneurial mindset—embracing risk, resilience, and flexibility
• How to plan and manage projects effectively to launch a business idea
• How to pitch, present, and network with professionals and potential partners
• How to solve problems and overcome challenges when launching a venture
Why It Matters:
• Gain mentorship from industry professionals through workshops and masterclasses
• Develop skills like teamwork, time management, and adaptability for your future
• Build a portfolio of projects showcasing your entrepreneurial achievements
• Network with entrepreneurs, professionals, and collaborators for future opportunities
• Create ventures that make a difference, whether through social impact or business innovation