Stage 4: Technology (Mandatory) Years 7-8

The study of Technology Mandatory in Years 7–8 enables students to become responsible users of technologies and designers of solutions. Through the practical application of knowledge and understanding, students develop skills in the safe use of a range of technologies to design, produce and evaluate solutions to identified needs and opportunities.

Knowledge and understanding of technological content is developed through pedagogical approaches, such as project and problem-based learning. Through the production of innovative solutions to contextually relevant problems, students are provided with opportunities to use a variety of thinking strategies, embrace new concepts and learn through trialling, testing and refining ideas. The practical nature of Technology Mandatory engages students in design and production activities as they develop safe practices and refine skills working with varied materials and production technologies. These authentic learning experiences provide students with a sense of satisfaction and are the foundation for life-long learning.

The Technology Mandatory syllabus provides opportunities to reinforce and integrate knowledge and understanding from other subjects in the Years 7–10 curriculum. The diversity of learning experiences provided in Technology Mandatory encourages both independent and collaborative learning and the skills in designing, planning, managing and evaluating are transferrable across the curriculum. Technology Mandatory builds on Science and Technology K–6 and provides broad experiences in a range of contexts that are further explored in Technology electives in Years 7–12.

The opportunity to investigate problems, generate ideas and produce sustainable solutions develops skills and attitudes that are valued in our society and are integral to Australia’s economic future. The skills and capabilities developed by students through the study of a variety of technology contexts can be applied to further education, and career opportunities in design, technology, engineering, science, mathematics and related fields.

The Technology Mandatory Years 7–8 syllabus outcomes are presented as:

• Skills
• Knowledge and Understanding

Context Areas include:

• Digital Technologies
• Agriculture and Food Technologies
• Engineered Systems
• Material Technologies

Design Projects

Design Projects involve the design, production and evaluation of quality solutions that are functional and meet identified needs or opportunities. Students undertake four design projects across Years 7–8.

Design and Production Folios

Students develop design and production folios documenting evidence of the application of a design process and the specific technologies used in production. Students produce a minimum of four design and production folios across Years 7–8.

A design and production folio includes ideas, sketches, drawings, experimentation, samples, research, photographs, details of construction and evaluation.

Practical Experiences

To satisfy the requirements of the syllabus, students undertake a range of practical experiences that occupy the majority of course time. Practical experiences allow students to develop skills and confidence in the use of a range of hand and machine tools.

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