Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)

What is TAS?

Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) is a mandatory curriculum for Stage 4, and an elective subject area for Stages 5 and 6 that imparts practical and theoretical skills in various technology-related subjects while emphasising problem-solving abilities and technology's impact on our lives and the world. The TAS curriculum encourages hands-on projects, fostering creativity and real-world problem-solving skills, while emphasizing sustainability, ethics, and safety. TAS offers a practical, skills-based approach that prepares students for careers in technology and design.

TAS encompasses diverse subjects such as (but not limited to):

• Design and Technology focuses on design, engineering, and product development.
• Food Technology covers food preparation, nutrition, and culinary skills.
• Industrial Technology includes woodworking, metalworking, and electronics.
• Textiles and Design explores fabrics, fashion, and textile products.
• Computer Technologies delves into computer and software development, coding and applications.

Stage 4 - Technology Mandatory

The Technology Mandatory course in Stage 4 includes the following content areas:

• Agriculture and Food Technologies
• Digital Technologies
• Engineered Systems
• Material Technologies

Throughout their exploration of these content areas, students engage with key and fundamental topics;

• Design and Innovation: Students engage in the design process, problem-solving, and innovation, fostering real-world problem-solving.

• Materials and Technologies: This component encompasses work with various materials including; wood, metal, plastics, textiles, and electronics, encouraging hands-on product design.
• Digital Technologies: Students explore digital concepts, including basic programming, hardware and software understanding, and digital literacy.
• Sustainability: The course highlights sustainability, promoting responsible resource use in technological processes.

Upon completing Technology Mandatory Stage 4, students may have the option to further specialize in specific technology-related subjects in Stage 5 and beyond, depending on their interests and the school's curriculum offerings. This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to technology and can serve as a precursor to more specialized technology subjects in later stages of education.

Stage 5

In Stage 5, students are given the opportunity to further develop their interests and skills with elective subjects that continue to push our students to extend themselves and their sustainable and ethical responsibilities.

Subjects offered in Stage 5:

• Textiles:  Textiles Technology imparts knowledge about textiles, including properties, design history, and contemporary applications. Students evaluate designer work, fostering critical thinking. Hands-on projects stimulate creativity and independence. The course cultivates informed consumers and a deep appreciation for textiles, bridging theory and practice.

• Computing Technology:  Students require computing and digital literacy for future success. They must understand digital scope, limitations, and implications. This practical course, with individual and group tasks, equips students with essential skills and computing career insights.

• Industrial Technology (Timber):  Industrial Technology offers students a chance to engage in diverse creative and practical experiences, using common technologies. It nurtures understanding of materials and processes, specializing in tools, materials, equipment, and project planning. This approach fosters critical thinking skills through creative problem-solving activities, enhancing their expertise in this field.

• Food Technology:  Food Technology is a subject that teaches students about different aspects of food, including its properties, how it's processed and prepared, and its nutritional value. It also covers how food is consumed and the importance of cleanliness and safety in food production. The subject also teaches about laws related to food production. Students learn specific skills related to food, which they can use in various situations to make high-quality food products. The course also helps students appreciate the joy and variety that food brings to life, and how it's important not just for jobs in the food industry, but also for everyday life experiences.

• Design and Technology:  Design and Technology nurtures innovation and creative thinking by having students plan and produce real-world design projects. They analyze existing solutions, generate and evaluate ideas, and experiment with tools and materials to create prototypes and solutions for identified needs and problems.

Stage 6

In Stage 6, students have the opportunity to extend their knowledge and understanding of their elective subject to include strong theoretical knowledge base that demonstrates; critical thinking, conceptual and creativity of the design process, an outstanding understanding societal and environmental impacts, and an ability to engage in project-based learning to showcase expertise.

Subjects offered in Stage 6:

• Textiles and Design:  The Textiles and Design Stage 6 Syllabus offers a curriculum that underscores the vital role textiles play in society. The syllabus explores the science and technology of textiles, enabling students to make informed consumer decisions. The course examines the functional and aesthetic aspects of design elements and principles within the specialized field of textiles and it investigates the role of textiles in society, fostering an understanding of different cultures and their specific use of textile materials. Students emulate industry practices through the design, planning, and manufacturing of a Major Textiles Project.The aim of Textiles and Design Stage 6 is to help students understand and appreciate the nature and significance of textiles and to develop confidence and competence in the selection, design, manufacture, and application of textile items. The course objectives include developing knowledge and understanding of textiles' functional and aesthetic requirements, practical skills in design and manipulation of textiles, knowledge of the properties and performance of textiles, skills in experimentation and critical analysis, and an appreciation of the significance of textiles in society.

• Software Design and Development:  The Software Design and Development Stage 6 Syllabus focuses on the creativity, knowledge, values, and communication skills required for software development. It provides a systematic approach to problem-solving, creativity, career prospects, and interesting content. The primary focus is on developing computer-based solutions that require software design, rather than on specific computer applications. Understanding different software development approaches and their application is crucial, as is the comprehension of how hardware and software interrelate. Communication, personal, and team skills are necessary to develop solutions that meet user needs. The course primarily reflects the traditional structural approach to software development and top-down source code development, providing a foundational understanding that allows for flexibility in developing future software solutions. Upon completion, students have options in the workforce, TAFE, and university study. The objectives include developing knowledge and understanding of how software solutions interact with computer systems, historical developments, emerging trends, legal, social, and ethical issues, and skills in designing, developing, and managing software solutions, as well as teamwork and communication skills.

• Industrial Technology (Timber):  The Industrial Technology Stage 6 Syllabus in Australia is designed to emphasize the importance of effective and responsible application of industrial technologies, which directly impacts the quality of life. It also helps students develop skills through design, planning, and production processes. The course aims to raise students' awareness of the interaction between technology, industry, society, and the environment, and to develop their ability to make value judgements about issues arising. The syllabus recognizes the diversity of the Australian industrial workforce and the need to link the senior school curriculum with post-school vocational education and work options. The aim of Industrial Technology at Stage 6 is to develop students' knowledge and understanding of the selected industry and its related technologies, with an emphasis on design, management, and production through practical applications. The objectives include developing knowledge and understanding of the focus area industry, safe and cooperative work practices, competence in designing and managing within an industry context, skills in producing quality products and communication, an appreciation of quality products and quality control principles, and understanding the relationships between technology, the individual, society, and the environment.

• Food Technology:  The Food Technology Stage 6 Syllabus in Australia is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of food technology, focusing on the knowledge and activities related to meeting food needs and wants. The syllabus explores factors influencing food availability and selection, food handling with an emphasis on safety, the role of nutrition in individual health and Australia's socio-economic future, and the structure of the Australian food industry. It investigates production and processing practices, their impact, and the activities supporting food product development. The course allows students to debate contemporary nutrition issues, enabling them to respond to changes in the food industry and influence its future developments. The course also offers opportunities for students to develop relevant and transferable skills, such as research, analysis, communication, food preparation, and the design, implementation, and evaluation of solutions to food situations. The objectives include developing knowledge and understanding about food systems, human nutrition, skills in researching, analysing, and communicating food issues, skills in experimenting with and preparing food, and skills in designing, implementing, and evaluating solutions to food situations. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through the course enable students to contribute positively to their own future and Australia's social, economic, and ecological future.

• Design and Technology:  Australia requires leaders who comprehend the essence of design and technology, promote innovation, and appreciate their contributions to individual lives, cultures, and environments. The issue of sustainable development is increasingly critical due to the depletion of natural resources through technological activities. Design and Technology Stage 6 fosters conceptual understanding and encourages students to apply these creatively in technological endeavors through design projects. The course uniquely emphasizes creativity, innovation, and the successful implementation of ideas. Students explore the importance of evaluation, computer-based technologies, management, communication, and collaborative design, along with current and emerging technologies. Through quality design projects, students develop specific production and manufacturing skills. It encourages students to pursue design projects in areas of individual interest, discuss equity issues in design, production, and manufacturing, and consider careers in these fields. The aim of Design and Technology Stage 6 is to build students' confidence, competence, and responsibility in designing, producing, and evaluating to meet needs and opportunities, and to understand the factors contributing to successful design and production. The course objectives include developing knowledge and understanding about design theory and processes, the interrelationship of design, technology, society, and the environment, creativity, skills in design processes, research, communication, and management, and knowledge about current and emerging technologies.

Faculty Features

• We have current industry standard trade training centres for VET Hospitality and Construction, which gives our students the opportunity to complete and achieve a nationally recognised Certificate II of either Construction or Hospitality.
• STEM resources; laser cutter, 3D printer, coding and technology resources
• Textiles workshop, featuring a specialised senior textiles space, and computerised embroidery machines
• Modern and up-to-date computer rooms
• Large, open plan workshop