Technology and 

Applied Studies

This term Mrs Cat Bocquet joined the TAS team on her first practicum as a Teacher Education Student from CSU. Mrs Bocquet has been working with Year 7 and 8 Technology Mandatory, Year 9 Food Technology, Year 10 Food Technology and Year 10 Graphics. We wish Mrs Bocquet all the best with her future teaching career.

TAS/VET Assistant, Mr Ian Warren is retiring towards the end of this term. Mr Warren has been with the College since 2018 supporting the TAS/VET KLA in the maintenance of the workshop, timber and equipment preparation and managing the upkeep of the Ag Plot, as well as caring for animals and carrying out general maintenance duties. Mr Warren has been an extremely valued member of the TAS/VET KLA and will be greatly missed by staff and students. We wish Ian all the best in his future! 

Year 7

Digital Technology students have been designing an obstacle course and program for a Tello Drone to fly through. As part of the process, they created their own design briefs and overcame challenges by coming up with creative solutions. Once their coding is complete, students will participate in a thrilling drone race! Students will also have the opportunity to advance their coding skills by programming the drones in Python, adding an extra layer of learning and fun to the project.

AGFO students are currently in the process of finishing their "Burger Boss" project, which entails crafting a personalised interpretation of the classic cheeseburger. Students have engaged in extensive experimentation, exploring a wide array of ingredients and culinary methods in pursuit of the ultimate burger creation. Following this, students will transition into the "Marketing Manager" unit, where they will be able to apply their creativity to the world of advertising. Students will be required to design an eye-catching advertisement for their ultimate burger, including the ingredients, a catchy slogan, and price. This will not only challenge their design skills but also help to develop a deeper understanding of marketing concepts.

Year 8

The Bridge design and build challenge is well underway with Timber students developing some great knowledge of engineering systems in the development of drawings and computer simulations of their chosen truss bridge design. Model-making skills have been developed with care and precision using a range of balsa products. Once completed, the bridges will be destructively tested using the T1000 testing platform to determine the strength of the design. Students have also been in the timber worksheet creating timber frames for their laser light project. This unit has given students the opportunity to use several timber hand tools and learn new skills in the workshop. 

Year 9 

Agricultural students have completed their unit on sheep production and will commence their final unit focusing on alternative agricultural enterprises including bees, pigs and nuts. In practical lessons students have spent time at the Ag plot planting summer vegetables and fruits as well as mulching the fruit trees with compost.

This term, our team of Computing superstars have been learning to use python, a text-based coding language. Students have been following tutorials on how to set and manipulate variables and produce various outputs. They have also been looking at interface designs including: CLI - Command Line Interfaces, GUI - Graphical User Interfaces, and Natural Language Interfaces which have developed over time. Students will complete the Mechatronics unit for the remainder of the term.

Food Technology students have made a showcased their skills and creativity in the Special Occasion' unit and made a stunning array of childrens Birthday cakes. Students will now focus on formal and informal events as they prepare to cater a High Tea celebration.

Timber students will put the final touches on their trinket box project this term and will be ready to take home in Week 7. Upon completion of these intricate projects students will spend time developing their skills using the wood lathe. Finally, there will be an opportunity to develop a small interest project to showcase what they have learned.

Metal class students  are completing their BBQ project with everyone showing great skills in fabrication and effective teamwork. A sheet metal case and stainless steel spatula will complete their BBQ package.

Year 10 

Students in Agriculture have finished their topic on cattle production, learning about the cattle regions of Australia and the differences between Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus. Term 4 will see the completion of their final exam for the year and participate in an intensive trial using the hydroponics set up and the iFarm. Students will also be growing sunflowers, corn and tomatoes. 

Graphics students have been working on the redevelopment of a building or area in the Wagga Wagga area. Some students have focused on rebuilding current buildings or structures, while others have been very creative and designed a new area completely from scratch. This project has been a showcase of student skills and abilities from their 200 hour course. 

Term 3 Food Technology assessments have focused on designing a muffin flavour inspired by a selected trend, challenging most students to step beyond their comfort zones and develop unique and creative flavour combinations. Building on this momentum, the current term brings together the skills and techniques students have acquired over the past two years.

This term's project involves creating an engaging online tutorial that showcases how to prepare a chosen menu item. Recent practical sessions have featured diverse and fun dishes offering students a hands-on experience with a wide range of flavours and presentation styles.

Timber students has been working tirelessly to complete their individual choice cabinet project. Students have been challenged to design and construct a cabinet based on a simple set of plans and were required to demonstrate their expert skills learnt across the 200 hour course. Students have used a wide range of tools, machinery and equipment to construct a cabinet. Most students have almost completed their cabinet project and will be able to take these home later in the term.

Students in IST have commenced their final unit for the year. Network Systems will focus on various communication networks, network protocols and modes of data transmission. Their assessment task for this term requires a detailed investigation into the development and operation of the National Broadband Network.

The focus for Year 10 Metal students will be to design and build project of their own choice. A wide range of projects are underway with students required to produce working drawings and prototypes of their intended designs. Some of the projects include wool pack holders, fire buckets, meat smoker, motocross starting gates,  firewood holder, workbench, dueling target  trees, chicken and dog enclosures and roof top tent mount.

Year 12

Design and Technology students are currently midway through their in-depth case studies of Emerging Technologies. They have selected a range of fascinating and innovative designs to investigate, gaining valuable insights and knowledge. This research is a crucial step, providing inspiration and informing the development of their own Major Design Projects. We look forward to seeing how their understanding of cutting-edge advancements will shape their creative and practical outcomes in the months ahead.

Mr Andrew Geurtsen | TAS KLA Leader