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.
Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) embraces Computing Studies as well as the areas traditionally known as Industrial Arts and Home Economics.
Courses studied include Textiles Technology, Industrial Technology, Timber, Graphics and Multimedia, Engineering Studies, Design and Technology, Manufacturing and Engineering, Hospitality and much more.
Subjects are both practical with complimentary theory and are enjoyed by students. They provide skills for life and work as well as providing a credible pathway to the Higher School Certificate.
Students are required to complete Technology Mandatory courses in Years 7 and 8.
All courses offer a progression of study from Years 7 to 12. The use of practical in their learning projects gives students a developmental sequence of the necessary complexity skills with the degree of difficulty gradually increasing.
The TAS Faculty offers an array of Vocational Education courses in Year 11 and Year 12. These qualify students for the HSC ad additional Australian Qualifications. Read more VET.
The continuum of technology learning is:
- based on students becoming increasingly sophisticated in their ability to design and produce solutions for authentic needs and opportunities
- 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.
Agricultural technology
Agricultural technology is a year 9/10 elective course that enables students to develop an understanding of environmental, social and economic factors affecting the Australian agricultural industry. It focuses on the interactions, development and management of sustainable and marketable plant and animal enterprises.
Practical experiences take up at least 50% of the course - during which sustainable and marketable plant and animal products are produced. Students work collaboratively to make environmentally and socially responsible management decisions that solve problems for their enterprise.
The NESA agricultural technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.
Agriculture show teams
The Campus Agricultural Show Teams have the opportunity to exhibit livestock at many shows throughout the year including the Sydney Royal Show.
Students are taught to handle stock, prepare and parade them in the show ring. Over the years we have won many ribbons including Championships at many shows.
Students have entered many Sydney Royal Competitions. Students are challenged and engaged while developing their understanding of the production of food and fibre learning about many other activities within the agricultural sector.
We encourage students to participate in Junior Judging and Parader competitions at the shows.
Over the years many students have been successful and competed at State finals in these competitions.
Digital Technologies and ICT
The Digital Technologies context 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. Pathways are available from year 7 to 12.
Digital Technologies
The Digital Technologies context 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.
Students have the opportunity to become innovative creators of digital technologies in addition to effective users of digital systems and critical consumers of the information they convey. Students are provided with opportunities to develop fluency in a general-purpose programming language and use these skills to solve information problems and to automate repetitive tasks.
Information and Software Technology
Information and Software Technology is an elective course for Year 9 and 10. Highly developed levels of computing and technology literacy is required in student’s 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 is an important aspect of the course.
The content to be covered integrated into the school options selected. The option within this course include:
- Artificial Intelligence, Simulation and Modelling
- Authoring and Multimedia
- Internet and Website Development
- Software Development and Programming
- Robotics and Automated Systems.
Senior Courses offered include: Information Processes and Technology, Software Design and Development and VET Information and Digital media Technologies.
The NESA information and software technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.
The Digital technologies hub contains programming ideas and student coding activities which could be incorporated into a software design unit of work.
Food Technology
Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge of food properties, processing, preparation, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene, safe working practices and legislation in relation to the production of food.
Students develop food-specific skills, which can be applied in a range of contexts enabling students to produce quality food products. Food technology also provides students with contexts through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety food adds to life.
What students learn
Students learn about food in a variety of settings, enabling them to evaluate the relationships between food, technology, nutritional status and the quality of life.
The major emphasis of the Food Technology course is on students exploring food-related issues through a range of practical experiences, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices with regard to food. Students develop the ability and confidence to design, produce and evaluate solutions to situations involving food.
Graphics Technology
Graphics Technology is important to all students especially in today’s technological reliant society.
2D and 3D graphics and digital design are used for printed media, web and communication applications as well as by television broadcasters for live graphics e.g. in news and sports shows.
Our College has the facilities to provide students the opportunity to experience Computer Graphic prototyping and modelling techniques in creating and producing projects in 3D-printing, Laser cutting and Computer Numerically Controlled Machining (CNC).
Students intending to study Industrial Technology, Engineering Studies or Design and Technology in Years 11 and 12 should consider this subject, as it provides a component developed in these courses.
Graphics Technology develops skills in all methods of pictorial or three-dimensional drawing, two-dimensional drawing, sketching, uses of light and shadow, sketching and using colour. All students will gain competencies in the use of Computer Aided Drawing (C.A.D.) by use of computer programs.
Students will also undertake product drawing projects where they will research, design and produce marketing briefs for everyday products. In this way the graphic techniques used in advertising and product promotion are developed.
The NESA graphics technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.
Industrial Technology
Metalwork
Industrial Technology Metalwork develops in students, knowledge and understanding of materials and processes. 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. Critical thinking skills are developed through engagement with creative practical problem-solving activities.
The two core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to metal which are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:
- Metal Machining
- Fabrication
Practical projects reflect the nature of the Metal focus area and provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to metal-related technologies. These may include
- sheet metal products
- metal machining projects
- fabricated projects
To satisfy the requirements of the syllabus, students will undertake a range of practical experiences that occupy the majority of course time. Practical experiences develop knowledge and understanding of, and skills in designing, producing and evaluating.
Timber (Woodwork)
This course will enable students to develop woodworking skills, plan and construct a major project, and present quality designs of possible projects. Each project includes a design and management portfolio.
At the end of the course the students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in all areas of wood work including, cabinet/furniture making, wood turning, basic building construction techniques and fine finishing.
Projects could include coffee tables, cabinets, wood turned items, solid wood accessories, and shelving.
Clicking on the image above to view the timberwork gallery.
Textiles Technology
Textiles technology is an elective course that enables students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to be creative, explore functional and aesthetic aspects of textiles and produce textile items.
Textiles is a very creative and exciting practical subject which provides students with a broad knowledge of the properties, performances and uses of textiles. Students will document and communicate their design ideas and experiences, making use of contemporary technology in their textile project work.
Textiles provide a means of self-expression, cultural significance and functionality.
Areas covered:
- Fabrics; how they are made, used and cared for.
- Fashion and design; influences, designers and how to illustrate design briefs.
- Culture; various countries and culture’s ideas of fashion and beauty.
- Construction techniques and related fabrics necessary for the creation of different articles.
The projects will give students the opportunity to be creative, independent learners while exploring many aspects of textiles and encouraging individuals to express ideas and opinions.
Textile projects are designed, produced and evaluated from the following areas:
- Apparel/clothing
- furnishings
- costume
- textile arts
The NESA textiles technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.
Hospitality (Year 11 and 12)
Demand is high for qualified, skilled hospitality workers. You can stand out from the crowd with a Certificate II in Hospitality.
Hospitality is a fast-paced and vibrant industry - where the goal is to provide superior customer service and experiences is one of the most diverse and largest employers across the globe. Hospitality will kick-start your career, whether you want to manage a hotel, start your own café, or work in a bar.
Hospitality courses offer students a chance to further their passion for food and drink and learn how to apply their expertise in a professional setting.
Courses in this sector are formulated to equip you with the practical skills and background knowledge you need to accomplish customer service, communicative and organisational tasks within any organisation.
Find out more by visiting VET information.
