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:
- The Technology Mandatory Years 7-8 contexts, consist of Digital Technologies, Agriculture and Food Technologies, Engineered Systems and Material Technologies.
- Design and Technology Years 7-10
- Food Technology Years 7-10
- Graphics Technology Years 7-10
- Industrial Technology Years 7-10
- Textiles Technology Years 7-10
- Engineering Studies Stage 6
- Food Technology Stage 6
- VET Hospitality Cookery
- VET Construction
- Industrial Technology Multimedia
Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) Faculty
The TAS faculty at Ashfield Boys High School has a diverse curriculum and offers a wide range of courses for students at all stages of their education and ability. The faculty’s philosophy is in developing both cognitive and practical skills that students can utilise in industry.
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 use a range of tools, materials and techniques in the design process and technological experiences through theory and practical lessons. As well as the mandatory study of technology, students can select from a range of elective TAS subjects.
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.
- An option for student specialisation in high school through a range of syllabuses addressing particular technologies, and aspects of design.
Stage 5 courses offered include Food Technology, and various Industrial Technology courses such as Timber and Engineering.
In Senior High School Stage 6, students are offered a wide range of curriculum choices. The subjects available can lead students to further higher studies at university or they can gain advanced entry into TAFE through the study of dual accreditation courses, in many cases up to Certificate II. In many cases students have obtained an apprenticeship upon successful completion of courses. Subjects offered by the faculty include engineering studies, industrial technology-timber and vocational education training (VET) subjects of Construction, Hospitality - cookery.
All courses at all stages offer students the very latest technology available in industry as well as machines and power tools.
The faculty's staff is very experienced in their teaching fields and all of them have vast experience from working in industry. This enables them to thoroughly teach all of the associated theory and utilise a high skill level.
It is the aim of the faculty that all students will complete a well-balanced well rounded educational learning experience. Students will develop skills in both practical dexterity and mental aptitude for use in future studies and employment.
Available courses
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.
Stage 5: Food Technology
The aim of the Food Technology Years 7–10 Syllabus is to actively engage students in learning about food in a variety of settings, enabling them to evaluate the relationships between food, technology, nutritional status and the quality of life. Students develop confidence and proficiency in their practical interactions with and decisions regarding food.
Through the study of Food Technology, students are aware of the development of technology and its impact on the individual, society, the environment and the food industry. Students have understanding, knowledge and skills of a range of processes, resources and technologies, including computer software, appropriate to the planning, preparation, manufacture, experimentation and plating of food.
Students have a body of knowledge, skills, values and attitudes and apply these in a practical manner. Students express ideas and opinions, experiment and test ideas and demonstrate responsibility in decision-making in a safe learning environment.
Students reflect on and evaluate decisions made in relation to solutions for specific purposes with regard to food at a personal level, and also consider the social implications of these in a variety of settings.
Course Structure and Requirements
Food Technology Years 7–10 is an elective course designed to build upon the Technology Mandatory Years 7–8 course. Outcomes for Stage 4 have been included to allow flexibility for those schools who wish to offer the course in Years 7 and 8.
Food Technology can be offered as a 100-hour or a 200-hour course. Students undertaking the 100-hour course are required to complete 3–4 focus areas. Students studying the 200-hour course are required to complete 6–8 focus areas.
Focus areas:
There are eight focus areas:
- Food in Australia
- Food Equity
- Food Product Development
- Food Selection and Health
- Food Service and Catering
- Food for Specific Needs
- Food for Special Occasions
- Food Trends.
Practical experiences
To satisfy the requirements of the syllabus, students must 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 equipment. Student capability, confidence and expertise at their current stage of development are important considerations in determining the teaching and learning sequences in the course.
Stage 6: Food Technology
Food Technology Stage 6 aims to 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.
As a part of the Preliminary course, students study:
- Food Availability and Selection
- Food Quality
- Nutrition
HSC units include:
- The Australian Food Industry
- Food Manufacture
- Food Product Development
- Contemporary Nutrition Issues
