Technological and applied studies

Technological and applied studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

In TAS, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons.

The continuum of technology learning is:

• mandated from Kindergarten to Year 8 through Science and Technology K-6 and Technology Mandatory Years 7-8 syllabuses
• based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply knowledge, skills and understanding to design and produce solutions
• optional for student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies and aspects of design.

Available courses include:

• Technology Mandatory Years 7-8
• Agricultural Technology Years 7-10
• Design and Technology Years 7-10
• Food Technology Years 7-10
• Graphics Technology Years 7-10
• Industrial Technology Years 7-10
• Information and Software Technology Years 7-10
• Textiles Technology Years 7-10
• Agriculture Stage 6
• Design and Technology Stage 6
• Engineering Studies Stage 6
• Food Technology Stage 6
• Industrial Technology Stage 6
• Information Processes and Technology Stage 6
• Software Design and Development Stage 6
• Textiles and Design Stage 6.

Students will learn about the functional and aesthetic aspects of design. Students will develop their design skills and practice these through a series of projects, and will become innovative and creative in solving design problems. 

Through the design and development of quality projects, they will have the opportunity to identify problems/needs, research and investigate solutions, analyse information, generate ideas, justify and evaluate these ideas, experiment with technology and produce design projects in a range of creative and interesting areas.

Food technology

The study of food technology provides students with the opportunity to understand the changing food habits as a result of economic, social, cultural, technological and environmental factors. Students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of food properties, preparation and processing, addressing related issues such as hygiene and safety, nutritional claims, and genetic engineering.

Students will be able to make creative and effective decisions about food with an explicit understanding of nutrition principles in both theory and practice with lots of experimentation and hands on activities. 

Students will further develop the relevant and meaningful learning experiences and apply these to domestic, commercial, industrial and global settings.

Areas of study

• Food preparation and processing
• Nutrition and consumption
• Food selection and health
• Food in Australia
• Food trends
• Food product development
• Food for special occasions

Industrial technology

The study of industrial technology provides students with opportunities to engage in a diverse range of creative and practical experiences using metal and timber technologies. Metal and timber develop students' knowledge and understanding of materials and processes.

Metal core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to metal which are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in metal machining and fabrication.

Practical projects of metal technology include:

• sheet metal products
• metal machining projects
• fabricated projects.

Timber core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to timber which are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:

• cabinetwork
• wood machining.

Practical projects of timber technology include:

• furniture items
• decorative timber products
• storage and transportation products
• storage and display units.