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.
Technology and Applied Studies at Robert Townson
The Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) faculty at Robert Townson High School offers a broad range of curriculum options in the areas of Home Economics, Industrial Arts and Computing.
The subjects offered give students the ability to select courses that best fit their post-school endeavours as they enter into tertiary education at either university or in other institutions, or industry, as their interests dictate.
Staff Contact
Mr Naveen Kumar (Head Teacher)
Naveen.kumar4@det.nsw.edu.au
Ms Sharmini Deenathayalan
Sharmini.deenathayalan@det.nsw.edu.au
Mr Peter Ferguson
Peter.ferguson18@det.nsw.edu.au
Mr Shailendra Rao
Shailendra.rao@det.nsw.edu.au
Mr Brendan Roberts
Brendan.Roberts@det.nsw.edu.au
Thomas Whitbread
Thomas.Whitbread@det.nsw.edu.au
Vicki Shipley
Vicki.Shipley@det.nsw.edu.au
Subjects offered at Robert Townson High School
Stage 4
- Technology Mandatory – Year 7 and Year 8
Stage 5
- Child Studies - Year 9, Year 10
- Food Technology - Year 9, Year 10
- Industrial Technology – Engineering - Year 9, Year 10
- Industrial Technology – Timber - Year 9, Year 10
- Industrial Technology – Metal - Year 9, Year 10
- Information and Software Technology (IST) - Year 9, Year 10
Stage 6
- Community and Family Studies - Year 11, Year 12
- Design and Technology - Year 11, Year 12
- Food Technology - Year 11, Year 12
- VET Construction - Year 11, Year 12
- VET Hospitality - Year 11, Year 12
- VET Information and Digital Technology (IDT) - Year 11, Year 12
- VET Metals & Engineering - Year 11, Year 12
Subjects in Detail
Technology Mandatory - Stage 4 (Year 7 and Year 8)
Technology Mandatory is the subject in Year 7 and Year 8 in which all students must participate. It is structured to allow students to be exposed to a variety of content areas in the TAS faculty before they reach Year 9 and are allowed to select subjects of interest to them. Content areas presented to students over the two year period of time include:
- Textiles Design
- Food Design
- Mixed Materials
- Coding and Robotics Technology
- Information and Communication Technology
Child Studies – Stage 5 (Year 9 and Year 10)
Society has a responsibility to provide a safe, nurturing and challenging environment for children in their early years, as this is crucial to optimal growth and development. Child Studies explores the broad range of social, environmental, genetic and cultural factors that influence pre-natal development and a child's sense of wellbeing and belonging between 0 and 8 years of age.
Food Technology – Stage 5 (Year 9 and Year 10)
The Australian food industry is growing in importance, providing numerous employment opportunities and increasing the relevance of Food Technology for the individual and society. There are increasing community concerns about food issues, including hygiene and safety, nutritional claims and the nutritional quality of food, genetic engineering, functional food and the environmental impact of food production processes. Students will explore food-related issues through a range of practical experiences, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices with regards to food.
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 – Hospitality Food & Beverage
The VET Hospitality course is designed to prepare students for the hospitality industry. The industry is one of the largest in Australia - they are a major employer, supporting the skill development of younger workers who are central to Australia's economic and social development. For businesses in the service industries, employees are the most important asset. Recruiting and retaining skilled staff is fundamental for businesses. Occupations within the hospitality industry are diverse and include barista, chef, cook, front office clerk, housekeeping attendant, kitchen hand, manager, marketing and promotion officer and waiter.
VET Hospitality aims to provide students with the ability to keep up with current practice, responding to changing technologies, emerging new markets and different business models. While there will always be a demand for specialised skills for particular job roles, customer service, cultural awareness, problem-solving and decision-making are key industry skills. Currency of skills and knowledge provided to students is crucial to the success of the hospitality industry. Individuals need skills that are transferable across industry sectors, business models and product styles.
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.
VET – Metals & Engineering
The various sectors of the metal and engineering industry comprise about 50% of Australia's manufacturing industry in terms of value-added share. Each sector is involved in the manufacture, service, repair and maintenance of products, tooling and equipment, as well as processes. Engineering installation, repair and maintenance is also applied across most Australian industries. The number of workers across Australian industries who are using engineering and manufacturing-engineering skills is approximately 650,000.
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