Hawkesbury High School

Caring, learning, connecting

Telephone02 4579 6800

Emailhawkesbury-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Technological and applied studies

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.

The TAS faculty specialises in leading technology courses across a wide area of student skills and interests. It is an educational area based on skill development, innovation and creative thinking practices. It teaches the skills, ideas and concepts of today to meet the students' education and life needs of the future.

The vocational education and training (VET) areas of learning in TAS are taught by specialised teachers that are highly qualified and experienced in the delivery of competency based education. VET offers a course structure that is designed to provide students with the work skills and practices to successfully gain full time employment and can be seen as a pathway to lifelong learning.

The TAS faculty is a progressive and focused team of classroom leaders, providing the very best in contemporary educational practices. The staff believe, all students have the capacity to achieve and should be provided with rich educational experiences that challenge students to not only reach their potential but surpass it.

TAS is focused on providing a supportive quality educational learning environment where students are provided with every opportunity to succeed and reach their personal best.

Courses offered

Stage 4 - (Year 7 and 8)

Technology in Years 7 and 8. This is a mandatory course consisting of areas of study in:

  • Digital Technologies
  • Agriculture and Food Technologies
  • Engineered Systems
  • Materials Technology

Students will rotate through a range of areas to design, produce and evaluate tasks, some supported by a design folio. A range of design-related content to support the above is presented through exposure to working in a variety of different working environments.

Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10)

Years 9 and 10 are elective years, with students electing to study subjects for 200 hours (2-year courses). These subjects include:

  • Child Studies
  • Food Technology
  • Industrial Technology (Metal)
  • Industrial Technology (Timber)
  • Information and Software Technology

Stage 6 (Year 11 and 12)

Year 11 Preliminary and 12 HSC elective subjects offered include:

  • Community and Family Studies
  • Exploring Early Childhood
  • Food Technology
  • Industrial Technology – Timber products and furniture technologies.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

These courses are board developed courses, which may contribute to the calculation of an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Index), or board endorsed courses. VET courses give students work-related skills in a variety of industry areas. Students will receive a nationally recognised qualification when they complete their course. Some VET courses are studied at school while others can be studied at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and other training providers. All VET courses involve work placement board developed VET courses are available in a number of industry curriculum frameworks, we deliver:

  • Certificate II in Construction Pathways
  • Certificate II in Hospitality (Food and Beverage)
  • Certificate I in Metal and Engineering

Staff

  • Ms J Harbottle (Head Teacher TAS and VET Coordinator)
  • Mr B McEvoy (Deputy Principal)
  • Mr R Powell  (Year 10 Advisor)
  • Ms K Briggs
  • Ms P Malhotra