Technology and Applied Studies

Ms Gail Willingham – Leader of Learning

Throughout 2025 the TAS Department has continued to evolve and expand our curriculum to meet the needs of 21st century learners.

The  Software Engineering course will be examined for the very first time in the HSC this year. This marks a significant milestone for students who will be completing their HSC Examination on computer. Our Year 12 students have engaged with real world programming challenges, agile development practices, and collaborative software design. We wish them all the best as they prepare to showcase their skills in this groundbreaking subject.

Also for the first time, Year 10 students have had the opportunity to study the Computing Technology course, a dynamic new course that introduces them to coding, data analysis, and digital systems. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with students embracing the opportunity to build their digital literacy and problem solving skills in a hands-on, future focused environment.

Our TAS teachers are already hard at work planning for the implementation of the new Stage 4 Technology course, set to launch in 2026. This updated curriculum will offer students a broader and more integrated experience across design, digital technologies, and applied innovation. Staff are engaging in professional learning and collaborative planning to ensure a smooth rollout next year.

Demonstrating sustainable design and creative reuse, Ms Morse has repurposed an old door to create a stunning new altar. This project not only preserves a piece of our school’s history but also highlights the values of craftsmanship and environmental responsibility that are central to our TAS philosophy.

Our students have been hard at work bringing creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills to life through a range of exciting projects:

• Year 10 Industrial Technology students have crafted elegant mantle clocks, showcasing precision woodworking and design flair.

• Year 9 Design and Technology students explored sustainability by recycling plastic waste into imaginative toys, combining environmental awareness with product design.
• Year 8 Engineering students took on the challenge of building bridges from paddle pop sticks, then tested them to see how much weight they could withstand—some held over 20kg!
• Year 7 Digital Technologies students have been exploring data and information systems, learning how digital tools can be used to collect, analyse, and present information in meaningful ways.

These projects reflect the diverse and engaging learning experiences that TAS offers, empowering students to think creatively and solve real world problems.