Technologies

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Technologies encompasses the study of products, processes, tools and equipment.

We offer a selection of subjects that cater for a wide range of student interest and abilities.

In the practical subjects, students are exposed to intellectual challenges in the form of designing and researching while practical skills are developed using a wide range of tools and machines.

Safety is an important aspect of all courses. Students also learn about work as they mirror, in a broad sense, workplace practices such as working cooperatively in teams and responding to technological change.

Years 7–8

Students study one semester of Industrial Technology and Design for two lessons/week.

Some time is devoted to Graphics, with the remaining focused on a combination of workshop-based activities and projects.

Projects may include using a laser cutter or a 3D printer to produce a designed product such as a key tag or phone stand, to wood and electronics based projects such as an acoustic phone amplifier with LED strip lights and plastic edge-lit sign.

Years 9–10

Year 9 students may choose one or both, depending on availability:

• ​​Digital Technologies (1 semester) – Students may interact with a variety of robotic devices including Lego Mindstorms, VEX, Mbots, Makey-Makey's, Arduino platforms and electronics concepts. They will explore other coding environments away from robotics, which may include Python, C+, blockbased coding, databases and websites.  This subject is largely theoretical however also features virtual and  hands-on aspects.

• Design Technologies (1 semester) – students complete two design projects (which may vary from year to year).  Examples may include:

  • home decor - custom designed light box built from traditional timber joining techniques featuring laser cut designs and LED electronics
    
  • C02 dragster - built for speed and aesthetics, which must meet strict design constraints and compete in races over 20m powered by soda bulbs
    
  • Mechanical Pinball table – students are able to build a functioning pinball table and custom design the aesthetics and obstacles on the game field to align to a chosen theme.​
    
  
  

 Year 10 students (one-year subject):

Material Specialisations Technologies:

• ​​​Students explore Industrial Graphics and Furnishings industries across the course while using modern and traditional hand and powered tools, techniques and processes to manufacture a number of projects.
• They use computer-modelling software (CAD) to produce digital folios of work comprising of technical working drawings (suitable for a manufacturer) and 3D rendered images along with hand drawings of a number of different products.
• Students personalise aspects of each project through a design process with the use of a CNC  laser and traditional finishing techniques.
• Students are required to complete theoretical units, digital portfolios and machine safety tests relating to: Safe work practices, Basic Hand & Power Tools, Measurements and calculations, Workplace Communications, Working effectively in groups, Plan Reading and Interpretation, Material identification and manipulation, Job roles, Employability skills, Quality control and production processes.
• It is advisable to choose this subject if there is a possibility of selection in Years 11 and 12. 
  

Years 11-12

Career Focus

Provides a practical foundation for those seeking employment and apprenticeships post schooling.

Building Construction Skills

What will students learn?  In studying Building & Construction Skills, students will learn about:

• industry practices
• construction processes
• carpentry.

How will students be assessed?  Students will complete the following assessments:

• project
• practical demonstration
• examination.

Where can Building & Construction Skills lead?   Studying Building & Construction Skills can lead to:

• civil, residential or commercial building and construction fields.

Industrial Graphics Skills

What will students learn?  In studying Industrial Graphics Skills, students will learn about:

• industry practices
• drafting practices.

How will students be assessed?  Students will complete the following assessments:

• Project
• practical demonstration
• examination.

Where can Industrial Graphics Skills lead?  Studying Industrial Graphics Skills can lead to:

• roles and trades in the manufacturing industries.

Industrial Technology Skills

What will students learn?  In studying Industrial Technology Skills, students will learn about:

• industry practices
• production processes.

How will students be assessed?  Students will complete the following assessments:

• project
• practical demonstration
• examination.

​​Where can Industrial Technology Skills lead?  Studying Industrial Technology Skills can lead to:

• ​manufacturing industries