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.
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.
What will students learn about in TAS (mandatory)?
All students in Years 7 and 8 study TAS which aims to develop their ability to design, produce and evaluate a solution to a specified need. Working with computers, wood, graphics and allied materials, students will learn to apply their thinking to real life situations. They learn about the processes of designing through the development of design projects in the areas of:
Agriculture and Food Technologies
Digital Technologies
Material Technologies
Engineered Systems
Students will gain an understanding of the factors that influence design including function and aesthetics. They will study the work of designers and the impact of technological advancement on society and the environment. They learn about the importance of working collaboratively, responsibly and safely.
What will students learn to do?
Students will learn to identify and respond to needs through the development of quality design projects. They will learn to access and safely use a range of materials, tools and techniques to aid in the development of design projects and to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others. Students undertake research and experiments to inform the development of design projects and to evaluate, analyse and apply the results of these activities to individual projects.
The above video can be found on NESA's NSW Curriculum website.
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.