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.
Technical and Applied Studies is a Key Learning Area that integrates both procedural and conceptual knowledge based on a holistic view of design concepts.
Students identify needs, apply design theory and use design processes that encourage creativity and imagination in the development of design solutions. Students studying TAS courses use a variety of materials, tools and techniques to solve real world problems and create solutions in response to this.
In Stage 4 learning is studied in Technology Mandatory under three main areas of technology Built Environments, Products and Information and Communications. During the course of study, students experience a variety of design specifications using a variety of technologies, which may include Design Specialisations, STEM, Architectural, Accessories, Communications Systems, Environmental, Agricultural, Information Systems, Interior, Fashion, Promotional, Landscape, Food, Software, Structural, Industrial and Digital Media.
High Achieving students in Stage 4 undergo a STEM course that integrates Technology Mandatory, Science and Mathematics. The course incorporates a project based learning approach to twentieth century learning with a main focus on improving the energy efficiency of Sarah Redfern High School.
In Stage 5 students have the choice to build on their continuum of learning and build upon their Technology skills and knowledge. Courses offered in Stage 5 include; Timber, Building and Construction, Food Technology, Food Services, Engineering, Horticulture, Information Process Technology.
In the senior school, a range of courses are offered as a Preliminary Higher School Certificate and Higher School Certificate courses. Students undertake a course of studies in Industrial Technology Timber, VET Construction, VET Hospitality Commercial Cookery, VET Hospitality Kitchen Operations and Cookery and Food Technology.