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.

Industrial Technology – Engineering  (Stage 5:  Year 9 and Year 10)

Industrial Technology – Engineering allows student to develop knowledge and understanding of materials, processes, safety and technology related to engineering applications. 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. Critical thinking skills are developed through engagement with creative practical problem-solving activities.

Industrial Technology – Timber  (Stage 5:  Year 9 and Year 10)

Industrial Technology – Timber allows student to develop knowledge and understanding of materials, processes, safety and technology related to woodworking. 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. Critical thinking skills are developed through engagement with creative practical problem-solving activities.

Industrial Technology – Metal  (Stage 5:  Year 9 and Year 10)

Industrial Technology – Metal allows student to develop knowledge and understanding of materials, processes, safety and technology related to metal fabrication. 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. Critical thinking skills are developed through engagement with creative practical problem-solving activities.

Information and Software Technology  (Stage 5:  Year 9 and Year 10)

The study of Information and Software Technology (IST) 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.

Community and Family Studies  (Stage 6:  Year 11 and Year 12)

Community and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary course drawing upon selected components of family studies, sociology, developmental psychology and students' general life experiences. This course focuses on skills in resource management that enable people to function effectively in their everyday lives, in families and communities.

Food Technology  (Stage 6:  Year 11 and Year 12)

 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 places greater emphasis on farm management to maximise productivity and environmental sustainability. 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  (Stage 6:  Year 11 and Year 12)

The Design and Technology course has a unique focus on creativity, innovation and the successful implementation of innovative ideas. Students will investigate the importance of evaluation, the role of computer-based technologies, management, communication and collaborative design, as well as exploring current and emerging technologies. Through the completion of quality design projects, students are provided with the opportunity to develop specific production and manufacturing skills.

VET Courses  (Stage 6:  Year 11 and Year 12)

 The TAS Faculty offer a variety of both category ‘A' and ‘B' courses, which carry an ATAR weighting and Vocational Education courses (VET) designed to give students skills and knowledge within one or more areas of industry. On completion of the Certificate I or II course, provided they achieve competence within the units studied, students gain a qualification that makes them more attractive as a potential employee.

Students work in environments that enable them to make informed decisions about a number of vocations and areas of study at university or TAFE.

VET – Construction

The construction industry is an important part of the Australian economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. The industry is adapting to new technology, building systems, products and practices. The VET Construction course is designed to fulfil the need to develop new skills sets in our future workers. The industry is currently experiencing a range of skills shortages both in the trades and professional sectors.

VET Construction provides opportunities for students to develop relevant technical, vocational and interpersonal competencies suitable for employment and further training in the construction industry. It also provides for the development of employability skills such as communication and teamwork which are transferable to other industry areas and are a key feature of each qualification available through the Framework.

VET – Information and Digital Technology

The Information and Digital Technology (IDT) VET course prepares students for the complex and comprehensive information technology industry. The IDT industry incorporates a range of different businesses and industry sectors including IDT service providers, purchasers and users of IDT goods and services, technical support providers, multimedia and web development specialists, desktop publishers, graphic designers, programmers and help desk operators.

The manufacturing and engineering industry is the second largest employer in Australia. There are a wide range of industry sectors and jobs within the industry. Enterprise sizes range from many small businesses of a few employees to large enterprises. The industry has been actively reshaping itself over the last decade, embracing new technologies, innovation and more efficient production practices and becoming increasingly export-focused.

The inclusion of courses in metal and engineering in the HSC based on industry-recognised AQFVET qualifications will allow students to access both long-term and short-term employment opportunities. Courses within the Metal and Engineering Curriculum Framework provide an opportunity for students to gain Certificates I, II and/or Statement of Attainment towards Certificate III as part of their HSC. Apart from being nationally recognised, these AQF VET qualifications articulate into higher-level qualifications including traineeships and apprenticeships in the manufacturing, engineering and related services industries which students may pursue post-school.

The Framework also provides an optional HSC examination, which allows results from the Metal and Engineering (240 indicative hours) course to contribute to the calculation of the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

Learning in each HSC Metal and Engineering course within the Framework provides opportunities for students to develop relevant technical, vocational and interpersonal competencies suitable for employment and further training in manufacturing, engineering and related services industries. It also provides skills, knowledge and experiences – such as teamwork, communication and occupational health and safety – that are transferable to other industry areas.

Work Placement

Work placement is a mandatory HSC requirement within all VET Framework courses with the exception of Sports Coaching and students are required to complete 70 hours over the two years.

Learning in the workplace will enable students to:

• progress towards the achievement of industry competencies
• develop appropriate attitudes towards work
• learn a range of behaviours appropriate to the industry
• practise and apply skills acquired in the classroom or workshop
• develop additional skills and knowledge, including the employability skills