Technology and Applied Studies

Ms Gail Willingham – Leader of Learning

This year students have completed a variety of projects across the different courses offered within the Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) KLA. The projects vary significantly depending on the units being studied.

As an introduction, Year 7 students have rotated between a unit on cooking based on the Farm to Table philosophy and a project focused on creating a herb box suitable for small spaces. They are also learning how various types of data, including colours, audio, and text, are stored and processed in computer systems.

Year 8 students began the year with an Engineering Unit. They researched bridge structures, then designed and built their own bridges using paddle pop sticks and hot glue. The students tested their bridges’ ability to withstand pressure to determine the weight at which the structures would fail.

Year 10 Food Technology students planned and prepared a grazing box. Each student chose a theme or concept, which included at least one cooked element. They then prepared, cooked, and presented their items in a grazing box or another suitable format.

In Stage 6, Design & Technology and Industrial Technology students attended the Shape Exhibition, drawing inspiration from the showcased works of the 2023 HSC. They have been diligently working on their major projects, which are due for submission to NESA early next term

Two new courses have been introduced this year: Computing Technology for Year 9 students and Software Engineering for Year 11 students. These courses emerged from the Curriculum Reform and focus on current technologies.

Year 9 students have been creating digital solutions, including websites for presenting and analysing data. Year 11 students have explored different programming paradigms and used Python to create a variety of programs and games. For the first time in 2025, Software Engineering will be an HSC course, with students completing their final examinations on laptops rather than using pen and paper.