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.

What is TAS?

Through the study of technology courses, students engage in a diverse range of practical 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.

What does learning look like in TAS?

Students need to be engaged and inspired to develop a diverse skill set relevant today and in post-school opportunities, that will enable them to be open-minded critical thinkers. They work cohesively, collaboratively and responsibly to engage positively in the world in which we live. Students studying Technology subjects experience a range of teaching and learning strategies including ALARM and ICT, designed to meet the needs of all learning styles. Critical and analytical thinking skills are developed through engagement with creative practical problem-solving activities.

Stage 4 Technology (Mandatory)

Students study this course in Years 7 and 8. Technology (Mandatory) develops in students an understanding of design and design processes and the technologies that can be employed to produce creative and innovative solutions to identified needs. It enables students to select and use materials, tools and techniques in a responsible and safe manner. Students will learn to identify and respond to needs through the development and production of quality design projects. They will learn to access and safely use a range of materials, tools and techniques to aid in the development of design projects and to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others.

What will students learn?

Students develop knowledge and understanding of the four Technology contexts through the Design and Production of solutions to meet identified needs or opportunities.

Agriculture and Food Technologies - students learn about the processes of food and fibre production and investigate the innovative and sustainable supply of agriculturally produced raw materials.

Digital Technologies – encourages students to develop an empowered attitude towards digital technologies, use abstractions to represent and deconstruct real-world problems, and implement and evaluate digital solutions.

Engineered Systems – focuses on how force, motion and energy can be used in systems, machines and structures. Students are provided with opportunities to experiment and develop prototypes to test their solutions.

Material Technologies - focuses on the application of specialist skills and techniques to a broad range of traditional, contemporary and advancing materials.

Stage 5 Technologies (Year 9 -10)

Food Technology – as an elective 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, 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.

Design and Technology – as an elective 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.

Industrial Technologies – as an elective provides students with opportunities to engage in a diverse range of creative and practical experiences using a variety of technologies widely available in industrial and domestic settings. At Winmalee High School students can choose Industrial Technology Electronics, Engineering, Metal and Timber. Related knowledge and skills are developed through a specialised approach to the tools, materials and techniques employed in the planning, development, construction and evaluation of quality practical projects and processes.

Graphics Technology – as an elective enables students to practise logical thought and decision-making while developing skills applicable to a range of domestic, commercial and leisure activities. They engage in both manual and computer-based forms of image generation and manipulation. They are provided with opportunities to develop knowledge of the wide application of graphics in a variety of contexts and acknowledge an ever-increasing range of vocations. Graphics Technology also develops students' technical and visual literacy, equipping them for participation in a technological world.

Information and Software Technologies - The study of Information and Software Technology as an elective course in Years 9 and 10 assists students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts. Through experiential and collaborative tasks, students engage in processes of analysing, designing, producing, testing, documenting, implementing and evaluating information and software technology-based solutions. Creative, critical and meta-cognitive thinking skills are developed through students’ practical involvement in projects.

Stage 6 Technologies Courses
(Year 11-12)

Food Technology- will develop knowledge and understanding about food nutrients and diets for optimum nutrition, the functional properties of food, safe preparation, storage, packaging, marketing and presentation of food, sensory characteristics of food, the influences on food availability and factors affecting food selection. Practical skills in planning, preparing and presenting food are integrated throughout the course.

Design and Technology - is explored through areas such as design theory and practice, design processes, environmental and social issues, communication, research, technologies, and the manipulation of materials, tools and techniques. The course involves hands-on practical activities, which develop knowledge and skills in designing and producing.

Engineering Studies - provides students with the opportunity to study engineering by investigating a range of applications and fields of engineering. Students learn about historical and societal influences, the scope of the profession and develop skills in technical communication. Students apply knowledge of engineering mechanics, hydraulics, electricity, electronics and engineering materials to solve engineering problems.

Industrial Technology - will develop a student's knowledge and understanding of a selected industry and its related technologies highlighting the importance of design, management and production through practical experiences. Project work and an industry study aim to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge related to the focus area, Timber Products and Furniture Technologies.

Information Processes and Technology - Information systems and the role they play in society have increased in significance in recent years. Students analyse the raw ingredients – information, information technology and participants – which combine to form information processes within information systems. The area of information systems provides major jobs growth for many sectors of the community. Moreover, fields which have not traditionally been associated with computers – but in which processing information is a vital function – are emerging as exciting new areas of employment. Students analyse this in the context of music, the arts, science and technology as well as new and fast-growing industries that use multimedia.

Software Design and Development - Software Design and Development in Stage 6 refers to the creativity, knowledge, values and communication skills required to develop computer programs. The subject provides students with a systematic approach to problem solving, an opportunity to be creative, excellent career prospects and interesting content. While a variety of computer applications are used in this subject, they are not the primary focus. The focus of this subject is the development of computer-based solutions that require the design of computer software.

Further information about Technologies can be found at:

Stage 4 & 5 This link provides access to a range of syllabi including Mandatory Technology (Years 7and 8), Design and Technologies, Food Technology, Graphics Technology, Industrial Technology and Information and Software Technology.

Stage 6 This link provides access to Design and Technology, Engineering Studies, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Information Processes and Technology, Software Design and Development and Textiles and Design.

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Winmalee High School

Winmalee High School

Technological and applied studies