Technology and 

Applied Studies

Year 7

Term 1 Year 7 begin their introduction to Technology at Mater Dei. Classes have begun working towards completing projects in the specific areas of Agriculture/Food Technologies and Digital Technologies. 

DigTech students have discussed the importance of online safety and understanding how the internet works. AgFo groups are making Safety Videos about the Ag Plot and Food Technology area using WeVideo. The students completed their first cooking lesson with Fried Rice on the menu. The students worked cooperatively and demonstrated excellent hygiene, cooking and cleaning skills. 

Year 8 

Year 8 are applying themselves well and have harnessed their natural enthusiasm and desire to learn to focus on learning the skills and knowledge required in each specialist area. This has seen them using the Inquiry Process to design and make a Laser Light using 3mm ply on the laser cutter and create frames in the Timber workshop. A Textiles Toy monster Project which students have designed and learnt how to stitch. Learn about forces to design a catapult to throw a projectile and document its distance, accuracy and power. 

Year 9

Year 9 Food Technology students are investigating the multicultural influence on food in Australia. Their task this term is to incorporate a Bush Food into an International Cuisine. They have taste tested a range of Bush Foods and cooked Wattleseed Anzac biscuits and Lemon Myrtle Cheesecakes.

Year 9 Timber have started their first project of the year and will be building a four-joint frame to demonstrate a variety of commonly used joints. The students will be developing their base knowledge of carpentry throughout this first semester and learning a variety of skills. Towards the end of this term, they will be creating their own chopping boards with personalised laser engraving.

Year 9 Graphics students have eagerly started working on an introductory unit involving isometric sketching and oblique drawing representations with a focus on refined drawing board skills and Australian drawing standards AS1100. In particular, students are currently learning to draw components using the front, top, and side views from isometric drawings, then labelling and dimensioning these views.

Year 9 IST students have been looking at the ways in which data is collected and analysed. They have also discussed issues surrounding the privacy of personal information and ethical use of data. Students have already covered the basics of building a database, including how to run queries and create forms, and they will build their own database as part of their assessment for the term.

Year 9 Agriculture students have been busy on the farm and in the classroom learning the fundamentals of vegetable production. This includes appropriate tool use, ensuring optimal soil conditions and working cooperatively with each other. Autumn vegetables will be planted soon with the students planning out their own vegetable garden bed. 

This term Year 9 Metal have started to design and construct their own sheet metal toolbox. This project is a starting point for their journey into the metals industry and students will begin to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge about the fabrication of projects. At the end of this project, students will be learning about welding and will be using a number of different types of welders in the production of their next project.

Year 10

Year 10 Food Technology students are investigating how food consumption affects our bodies and activity levels and what impact this has on our bodies. Practical tasks have included Pasta Bolognese, Popcorn Chicken and Bliss Balls. Their Assessment Task has the students planning a diet for a dietary disorder.

Year 10 Timber are completing a side table project. This project includes a number of complex steps which students have been keen to work on. Students have been busy coming up with a design and completing a number of concept sketches. They are currently tapering the legs and cutting domino joints in the workshop. 

There has been plenty of action in the Year 10 Metal work class so far this year. The focus of producing quality work using hand tools to fine tolerances is proving a challenging, yet rewarding process once the required standard is achieved. We look forward to seeing the students develop their skills and knowledge over the course.

Year 10 Agriculture students have been exploring the world of farm management and the various factors responsible for making smart decisions on farms. This requires students to identify the resources available to the farm and create an annual plan for sustainable land management. Students will be actively involved in the decision making and management of plant and animal enterprises throughout the year. 

Year 11

The Year 11 Design and Technology class have been looking closely at what it means to be a designer and the factors that affect design.  Students are also currently working on an Australian Design case study, where they are required to explore a well known Australian design and the various processes involved in its development.

The Year 11 Agriculture students have been looking into how agriculture is a system in which all parts interact in order to produce a food or fibre product. Students in the Agriculture class are looking forward to visiting a local mixed farm to begin their Farm Case Study unit and in turn their first assessment task. 

Year 12

Year 12 Design and Technology students are now refining their project proposals for the Major Design Project component of their course. The range of projects this year is impressive and link directly with either student personal or vocational interests and goals.

Mr Andrew Geurtsen | TAS / VET KLA Leader