Ku-ring-gai High School logo

Ku-ring-gai High School

Ku-ring-gai High School

Harmony in Diversity

Telephone02 9144 3477

Emailkuringgai-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

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.

Technological and applied studies enables people to manage, interpret, shape and alter their environment to improve their quality of life at home, school, in work places and in the broader community. Technology education integrates both procedural and conceptual knowledge and develops skills in enterprise and initiative.

Subjects studied in TAS include:

  • design and technology
  • food technology
  • industrial technology
  • textiles and design
  • VET hospitality kitchen operations (SIT 26511)

Technology mandatory

Stage 4 (Year 7 and Year 8)

A portfolio documenting the research, tools and processes is 50% of the assessment criteria.

Digital Technologies: Games and App Development

Students to design and develop an app or game whilst learning a variety of coding techniques and processes. Fluency in programming language will be developed and used to solve real-world problems using computational and system thinking.

Built Environments: Structural Design – Timber Technologies

Students design and construct a thumb piano. A skills project allows students to gain proficiency in measuring, marking out, cutting and joining timber. Hand tools and basic machines are utilised in the production of the final product.

Products: Textiles - Monster Mash

Students design and produce an original felt monster Hand and machine sewing skills will be developed through production and fabric decoration. Students will create their monster’s story to help introduce it to our world.

Products: Food Design – Food Products and Packaging

This unit of work requires students to design and produce a new pasta dish and packaging suitable for young children. Students explore a range of ingredients that may be incorporated in their food product. The unit provides opportunities for collaborative activities including group practical work, problem-solving and decision-making.

Products: Industrial Design – Polymer Technologies

Students design and construct a storage device for ear buds which will work efficiently and protect them from damage. Skills projects allow students to gain proficiency in measuring, marking out, cutting and joining acrylic. CAD and 3D printing are utilised as part of this unit.

Products: Jewellery Design – Metals Technologies

Students design and produce a pendant working in sterling silver. A wedder ring project provides students skills in cutting, shaping, soldering and polishing. Hand tools and basic machines are utilised in the production of the pendant. Students will create an advertising brochure to market their products.

Built Environments: Interior Design & Products: Textile Furnishings

This unit explores the built environment through the design of an interior space. Students learn a range of drawing skills to design the perfect bedroom based on a theme. Colour theory and interior design are explored and students will develop textiles based skills to produce a furnishing item.

Products: Industrial Design – Timber Technologies

Students to design and produce a game for one or more people. Students research a range of timber products and production process to construct their games. The unit provides opportunities for collaborative activities including group practical work, problem-solving and decision-making.

Products: Food Design – Food Products and Packaging

This unit of work requires students to design and produce a signature dish for a restaurant menu. Students explore a range of ingredients that may be incorporated in their food product. The unit provides opportunities for collaborative activities including group practical work, problem-solving and decision-making

Stage 5 (Year 9 and Year 10)

Year 9

  • food technology
  • industrial technology (multimedia and timber)
  • textiles and design

Year 10

  • food technology
  • industrial technology (multimedia and timber)
  • textiles and design

Food technology

The study of food technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of nutritional considerations and consumption patterns, food properties, processing and preparation. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation in the production of food. It also provides students with a context through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety food adds to life.

Currently our Year 10 students are undertaking a unit called "Service with a Smile". They are developing an understanding of the food service and catering industry and developing their skills by undertaking practical lessons in the commercial kitchen and preparing food suitable for catered events.

Industrial technology - Timber

The aim of industrial technology is to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and values related to a range of technologies through the safe interaction with materials, tools and processes in the planning, development and construction of quality practical projects. The syllabus aims to develop in students an understanding of the interrelationships between technology, the individual, society and the environment, and to develop their ability to think creatively to devise solutions to practical problems.

In year 9 students construct a deck chair in semester 1 and a footstool in semester 2. In year 10 the students design and construct a table of their choice. Woodturning projects are carried out in conjunction over the two years.

Stage 6 (Year 11 and Year 12)

Preliminary

  • design and technology
  • food technology
  • industrial technology - Timber products and furniture technologies
  • textiles and design
  • VET hospitality kitchen operations (SIT 26511)

HSC

  • design and technology
  • food technology
  • industrial technology - Timber products and furniture technologies
  • information processes and technology
  • software design and development
  • textiles and design
  • VET hospitality kitchen operations (SIT 26501)

Design and technology

Design and technology will develop students' confidence, competence and responsibility in designing, producing and evaluating to meet both needs and opportunities, and to understand the factors that contribute to successful design and production.

In the Preliminary course students are given a minimum of two minor design projects. Each project places emphasis on the development of different skills and knowledge in designing and producing.

The HSC course includes the development and realisation of the major design project as well as a case study of an innovation. The comprehensive study of design and the processes of designing and producing that were studied in the Preliminary course are synthesised and applied.

Food technology

Students will develop an understanding about food systems and skills that enable students to make informed decisions and carry out responsible actions. Students will also develop an appreciation of the importance of food to the wellbeing of the individual and to the social and economic future of Australia.

In the Preliminary course student cover the topics of food availability and selection, including the influences of food availability & factors affecting availability of food around the world. Food quality investigates why safe food preparation is essential. Students look at the functional properties of food, understanding why we cook the ways in which food is prepared. Nutrition is investigated students identify the food nutrients & diets for optimum nutrition.

The HSC Course includes looking at The Australian Food Industry the sectors, policy & legislation. Food manufacture exploring the production, processing, preservation, packaging, storage & distribution of food. Food product development including the steps in food production development, reasons for development for new foods in the marketplace as well as developing a new product. Contemporary nutrition Issues including diet & health in Australia and the influences on differing groups and nutrition status.

Industrial technology- Timber products and furniture technologies

Industrial Technology at Stage 6 is designed to develop in students a knowledge and understanding of the selected industry and its related technologies with an emphasis on design, management and production through practical applications.

In year 11 Minor Projects are designed and made with the intention of exposing the students to a number of different drawing and construction processes, as well as joints, finishes and materials. Associated theory, a portfolio for each project and an Industry Study of an individual business are also mandated.

In year 12 the students design and construct their own Major Project and document the process in a portfolio. An all-encompassing Industry Study completes the NESA requirements.

Textiles and design

Preliminary Course this course explores a variety of areas and includes Design, Properties and Performance of Textiles and Australian Textile, Clothing, Footwear and Allied Industries as well as an industry overview of past, present & future textiles fashions.

Students will undertake TWO preliminary textile projects as part of the Preliminary Course.

Preliminary project 1

Drawn from the area of study of *Design, this project focuses on the generation and communication of ideas, design modification, manipulative skills, evaluation of ideas and the project, and management of time and resources.

Preliminary project 2

Drawn from the area of study of *Properties and Performance of Textiles, this project focuses on an analysis of fabric, yarn and fibre properties, experimental procedures, product design, fabric choice, manipulative and management skills, communication methods and the recording of information.

In the Preliminary Course, students will also undertake practical applications related to content being addressed. Examples of these may include experimental work, development of manufacturing skills, graphical, communication and sketching skills.

VET hospitality

Qualification: certificate ii in kitchen operations (SIT 26511)

This course provides students with the opportunity to obtain national vocational qualifications for employment in the hospitality industry. Students will be able to develop generic hospitality skills in customer service, communication, environmentally sustainable work practices, hygiene and safety as well as basic skills in commercial cookery.

Throughout Preliminary and HSC year the students undertake a variety of competency units, which can contribute to the attainment of the HSC an ATAR and TAFE qualification.

Students are required to participate in practical lessons and mandatory work placement in an Industry setting; these are undertaken in the schools commercial kitchen facilities and through local industry providers.