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Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus

Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus

Quality, Opportunity, Diversity

Telephone02 9810 0471

Emailbalmain-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Technological and applied studies

Technology 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.

Available courses include:

  • Child Studies 7-10
  • Design and Technology 7-10
  • Food Technology 7-10
  • Graphics Technology 7-10
  • Industrial Technology 7-10
  • Information and Software Technology 7-10
  • Textiles Technology 7-10
  • iSTEM 9-10
  • 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.

Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical and project based learning experiences and develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary and advancing technologies. They develop solutions to identified problems and situations, and explore the impact of technologies on the individual, society and the environment.

The TAS faculty offers the following courses:

Stage 4 - 200 hours

Technology mandatory

Technology mandatory engages students in design and production activities as they develop design projects and solutions to identified needs and opportunities. Through the practical application of knowledge and understanding they learn about Agriculture and Food Technologies, Digital Technologies, Engineered Systems and Material Technologies

Technology mandatory consists of four context areas to be studied by the end of Stage 4.

  • In Agriculture and Food Technologies students learn about food and fibre production and how to make informed choices when preparing nutritious food.
  • In Digital Technologies students learn about data and computer programming. This context must be delivered for a minimum of 50 indicative hours.
  • In Engineered Systems students learn how force, motion and energy can be used in systems, machines and structures.
  • In Materials Technologies students learn about the application of specialist skills and techniques to a broad range of traditional, contemporary and advancing materials.

Stage 5 – 200 hour electives

Child studies

Child studies aims to develop in students the knowledge, understanding and skills to positively influence the wellbeing and development of children in the critical early years in a range of settings and contexts. Students will learn about a child’s development from pre-conception through to and including the early years; the growth, development and wellbeing of children and the external factors that support the growth, development and wellbeing of children.

Design and technology

Design and technology develops a student’s ability for innovative and creative thought through the planning and production of design projects related to real-life needs and situations. The design and development of quality projects gives students the opportunity to identify needs and opportunities, research and investigate existing solutions, analyse data and information, generate, justify and evaluate ideas, and experiment with tools, materials and techniques to manage and produce design projects.

Food technology

The study of food technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationship, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation in the production of food. Students will develop food-specific skills, which can then be applied in a range of contexts enabling students to produce quality food products. It also provides students with a context through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety food adds to life and how it contributes to both vocational and general life experiences.

Graphics technology

The study of graphics technology develops an understanding of the significance of graphical communication as a universal language and the techniques and technologies used to convey technical and non-technical ideas and information. Graphics Technology develops in students the ability to read, interpret and produce graphical presentations that communicate information using a variety of techniques and media. All students will learn about the principles and techniques involved in producing a wide range of images, models, pictures and drawings. They will gain an understanding of graphics standards, conventions and procedures used in manual and computer-based drafting.

Industrial technology - engineering, multimedia, metals or timber

Students may elect one or more of the above focus areas to undertake as an individual course.

Industrial technology develops students’ knowledge and understanding of materials and processes in a range of technologies. They develop knowledge and skills relating to the selection, use and application of materials, tools, machines and processes through the planning and production of quality practical projects.

All students will learn about the properties and applications of materials associated with their chosen area of study. They will study the range of tools, machines and processes available in both industrial and domestic settings for working with selected materials. Students will learn about safe practices for practical work environments, including risk identification and minimisation strategies. They will also learn about design and designing including the communication of ideas and processes.

Information software technology

People will require highly developed levels of computing and technology literacy for their future lives. Students therefore need to be aware of the scope, limitations and implications of information and software technologies.

Individual and group tasks, performed over a range of projects, will enable this practical-based course to deliver the relevant knowledge and skills needed by students. Development of technology skills and information about career opportunities within this area are important aspects of the course.

Textiles technology

The study of textiles technology provides students with a broad knowledge of the properties, performance and uses of textiles in which fabrics, colouration, yarns and fibres are explored. Students examine the historical, cultural and contemporary perspectives on textile design and develop an appreciation of the factors affecting them as textile consumers. Students investigate the work of textile designers and make judgements about the appropriateness of design ideas, the selection of materials and tools and the quality of textile items. Textile projects will give students the opportunity to be creative, independent learners and to explore functional and aesthetic aspects of textiles

iSTEM

The iSTEM course promotes the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the study of technology, engineering, skills and mechanics. Through enquiry and project based learning, students will learn to use a range of tools, techniques and processes, including relevant technologies in order to develop solutions to a wide variety of problems and challenges relating to their present and future needs and aspirations.