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.
Stage 4 Technology - Years 7-8
Technology - mandatory
The years 7-8 course enables students to develop a way of thinking and doing to create quality solutions to everyday problems, opportunities and needs. Students work through a design process to develop and realise ideas, manage resources and processes, and evaluate technology and design including social and environmental consequences.
In the Technology Years 7-8 syllabus students undertake 4-8 design projects during the course. Design-related content is the basis of a student's progression of learning through the course and must be addressed in each design project. To ensure a breadth of technological experience students use at least six different technologies by the end of the course to develop design projects.
Stage 5 Technology - Years 9-10
Agricultural Technology
The Agriculture course in Years 9 - 10 is based on developing individuals by involving them in the practices of raising animals and plants and understanding their effects on our environment - 'Landcare'. It is hoped that the student will come to understand many of the principles of plant and animal production.
Mount Austin High School caters well for junior Agriculture. Excellent resources have been accumulated over the past years and students are involved in a wide range of practical activities in the well equipped school farm. In addition, students participate in numerous excursions to places of interest including property visits, saleyards and field days.
The Agriculture programme at Mount Austin High School is designed to make the course interesting, encourage active participation and to be relevant to the students.
A popular extension to the Agriculture program is the ‘Showteam’. Student members of the showteam are involved in the breeding, selecting, training, preparing and exhibiting of different breeds of beef cattle and sheep for the Autumn and Spring show circuit. Currently we attend the Canberra Royal as well as a number of local shows including Holbrook, Cootamundra and Culcairn.
Agriculture is a practical ‘hands on’ course suitable for both girls and boys. It caters for a wide range of academic levels.
Food Technology
As the name suggests, Food Technology, is the study of technology as it applies to all aspects of food – its production, processing, preparation, marketing and consumption. Students are encouraged to critically analyse the effects of technology on our food supply, the environment and consequently our quality of life. Mount Austin High School has access to three excellent kitchens including a full commercial kitchen in the new Trade Training Centre.
Graphics Technology
The major emphasis of the Graphics Technology Years 9–10 Syllabus is on students being actively involved in the planning, development and production of quality graphical presentations. Students should be provided with broad experiences to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of media and areas of application.
Industrial Technology
The major emphasis of the Industrial Technology Syllabus is on students being actively involved in the planning, development and construction of quality practical projects. Students should be provided with a range of theoretical and practical experiences to develop knowledge and skills in a selected focus area such as Wood or Metal. Each focus area is divided into two compulsory core modules, 50 hours each, that lead to a range of optional specialised modules to be studied for not less than 50 hours each. The core modules of each focus area include the design, production and evaluation of practical projects that develop basic understanding and skills. These are further enhanced through the specialised modules.
Stage 6 Technology - Years 11-12
Agriculture
The Preliminary course incorporates the study of the interactions between the components of agricultural production, marketing and management, while giving consideration to the issue of sustainability of the farming system. This is an ‘on-farm’, environment-oriented course.
The HSC course builds upon the Preliminary course. It examines the complexity and scientific principles of the components of agricultural production. It examines the place of the farm in the wider economic, environmental and social environment. The Farm/Product Study is used as a basis for analysing and addressing social, environmental and economic issues as they relate to sustainability.
Design and Technology
The Preliminary course involves the study of both designing and producing. This 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. The Preliminary course includes the completion of at least two design projects. These projects involve the design, production and evaluation of a product, system or environment and includes evidence of the design process recorded in a design folio. The design folio can take a variety of different forms.
The HSC course applies the knowledge and understanding of designing and producing from the preliminary course. It involves the development and realisation of a Major Design Project, a case study of an innovation, along with the study of innovation and emerging technologies. The study of the course content is integrated with the development of a Major Design Project, worth 60 per cent of the HSC mark. This project requires students to select and apply appropriate design, production and evaluation skills to a product, system or environment that satisfies an identified need or opportunity. A case study of an innovation is also required with students identifying the factors underlying the success of the innovation, analyse associated ethical issues and discuss its impact on Australian society.
Engineering Studies
Both Preliminary and HSC courses offer students knowledge, understanding and skills in aspects of engineering that include:
- communication
- engineering mechanics and hydraulics
- engineering materials
- historical or societal influences
- engineering electricity and electronics
- the scope of the profession.
Students study engineering by investigating a range of applications and fields of engineering.
Industrial Technology
This course 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.
Industrial Technology Stage 6 consists of project work and an industry study that will develop a broad range of skills and knowledge related to the focus area chosen for the course. The Focus Areas include:
- Automotive Technologies
- Electronics Technologies
- Graphics Technologies
- Metal and Engineering Technologies
- Multimedia I Technologies
- Timber Products
- Furniture Technologies.
Information Processes and Technology
IPT is the study of computer-based information systems. It focuses on information processes performed by these systems and the information technology that allows them to take place. Social, ethical and non-computer procedures resulting from the processes are considered. Different types of information systems are studied. Through project work, students will create their own information system to meet an identified need.
Software Design and Development
The Preliminary course introduces students to the basic concepts of computer software design and development. It does this by looking at the different ways in which software can be developed, the tools that can be used to assist in this process and by considering the interaction between software and the other components of the computer system.
The HSC course builds on the Preliminary course and involves the development and documentation of software using a variety of data structures and language facilities. Students learn to solve a number of interesting and relevant software problems.