Technological & Applied Studies 

STAGE 4 TECHNOLOGY MANDATORY 

 Year 7 students continue to develop their skills across a broad range of technologies required of this subject. In ICT, students began the term acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to create and manage files in different applications. They have also used web based software to create solutions to various garden and floorplan design briefs. Students have planned and prepared a party in Food, have learnt the skills of textiles to design and produce and Shoe Bag.

Year 8 are using their skills to investigate sustainability and have presented information digitally to the class. In Metal they are using the inquiry process to make a metal product for a purpose. Finally, in computer control students have researched the concept of artificial intelligence and used computer and web based simulation software to control objects in various environments.

STAGE 5 ELECTIVE CLASSES

AGRICULTURE

Year 9 are currently working on Poultry Production. Students have become "parents" and raised day old chickens. We are also incubating eggs to be hatched soon. Year 9 students are also growing and maintaining a winter garlic crop.

Year 10 are currently working on Winter Crop Production. Students have planted cereal and legume crops and are completing a Scientific Report on the Germination of Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons.

FOOD

Year 9 have made a great start as they have shown a lot of interest in cooking and enjoy classroom discussions about food. In Term 1 they had to pick a dish in relation to their multicultural assignment and cook it. They prepared and enjoyed a lovely banquet. Recently they have been making and presenting savoury pancakes, beef salad, risotto and sausage rolls.

We have been studying Food for Special needs, and have learnt much about how vegetarians and those with an allergy or an intolerance need to ensure their diet meets the healthy food guidelines. We have looked at the particular requirements of people at different stages of the life cycle. In particular, we have been focusing on our presentation skills, as we know that people eat first with their eyes and it needs to look good on the plate. Students will now be buckling down to produce their assignment which look at how to advise for somebody with a special food need.

It has been a busy start to the year for Year 10 has been learning about nutrition and diet related diseases in Term 1 and Food Equity this term. Some of the practical tasks the students have undertaken have involved collecting tablespoons of water from across the school to simulate water collection and baking cakes without instructions to imitate suggest the inability to read. Both classes have shown great confidence in the kitchen and have extended their skills.

GRAPHICS

Year 9 Graphics have been keeping busy over the past term completing their Graphics Basics unit, with some quality work being produced from all members of the class. Over the next semester the students will start to explore a number of industry standard CAD programs, designing and producing projects using the laser cutter, vinyl cutter and 3D printer.

Year 10 Graphics have started working on their Architecture unit and many students have taken a strong liking to this topic and are demonstrating some exceptional work. Students have identified a style or period of architecture that appeals to them and will be using CAD programs to produce their own residential design that includes the key features of the particular style or period they have chosen.

TIMBER

A trinket box is next in line for the Year 9 Timber class, this will provide the students will an opportunity to use a number of different tools and continue learning some basic joinery techniques including inlay and miter joints. Year 10 are very close to finishing their Chess Boards, this has been a very complicated project with a number of accurate techniques and processes needed in order to produce a high quality project.

METAL

Campfire BBQ’s are underway and will incorporate a number a new techniques that many of the Year 9 students may not have been exposed to before. Mig and Oxy welding as well as plasma cutting are all included within this project and should provide the students with an enjoyable challenge.

The year 10 Metal class have been very productive in their practical work and are now demonstrating great skills and knowledge in the production of their practical projects. Students are now starting to sandblast their projects and will be soon spray painting and assembling their work. Discussions have started regarding the student choice project which will seen some interesting creations demonstrating the acquired skills and knowledge.

STAGE 6 TECHNOLOGY

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Year 11 Design and Technology have finished their first minor design projects with some great results and will complete one more Minor Design Project during the Preliminary Course, this will enable the students to develop an understanding of areas they intend on exploring for their Major Design Projects when they commence their HSC course at the beginning of Term 4 this year.

Our Year 12 Design and Technology class are now focused on their Major Design Projects. The rapid prototyping with the laser cutter and 3D printer is enabling students to quickly and accurately test their ideas.

This year, the range of projects clearly link with student interests and are designing products, systems and environments which link to their future career aspirations. The students are looking forward to the week 9 Showcase where the Design and Technology Major Projects, together with the Art Major Works, will be displayed.

Ms Nicole Lane

TAS KLA Leader