Sefton High School

Sincerity Scholarship Service

Telephone02 9644 4800

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

Technological and applied studies

Head Teacher is Mr D Dong

About Technology

Technology is the know-how and creative process that may assist people “to utilise tools, resources and systems to solve problems and to enhance control over the natural and made environment in an endeavour to improve the human condition.” (UNESCO, 1985)

Technology Courses

Technology for Years 7 and 8 

In Year 7 and 8 all students will undertake mandatory studies in Technology, using a variety of tools, equipment and machinery to complete specified design projects. Students in this course will be given comprehensive instruction in the use of a range of software applications to support planning and design of projects and a variety of technologies to enhance their learning.

Years 9 and 10 Elective Courses

TAS electives provide the opportunity for students to complete practical projects, which are both challenging yet rewarding. They allow students to develop sound practical skills which will prove to be an asset both personally and in the workplace. The TAS Faculty offers a wide range of technology-based electives that can be studied in Years 9 and 10.

Design and Technology

This course concentrates on the development of skills in designing, making, evaluating, communicating, marketing and management of projects using a variety of materials such as wood, fabric, plastic, food and computers. Students are expected to make at least 4 products accompanied by a portfolio.

Food Technology

Food Technology impacts daily upon people’s lives. Its application is to make food cheaper, more enjoyable, more varied, more available, safer, quicker and easier to prepare and often, though not always, more nutritious. The Food Technology course involves students in the investigation of food through practical “hands on” experiences. It promotes an understanding of various aspects of industry, technology and the broader environment while developing in students specific practical and thinking skills.

Industrial Technology - Electronics

Electronics allows students to gain a thorough knowledge of electronic project design, planning and management. Learning experiences provide scope to develop skills in both the practical and theoretical dimensions of electronics. Students plan and manage projects in fields such as electromechanics, coding and programming and a combination of these Industrial Technology.

Industrial Technology - Timber

The Timber focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to the timber and associated industries. Students will undertake a range of practical experiences that occupy the majority of course time. This includes planning and development of practical projects, experiments in circuit design and application, and computer aided circuit development and simulation. 

Information Software Technology

Technology is changing the way people work and live. Computers are now used for work, study and recreation. The course involves working with and developing skills and knowledge in various applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphic programs and high level programming language. The course also aims to develop an understanding of how computer systems function and to evaluate the effects of computers on our society.

Technology in Years 11 and 12

Food Technology

Food Technology 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 development an appreciation of the importance of food to the wellbeing of theindividual and to the social and economic future of Australia. 

Design and Technology 

The Year 11 and 12 Design and Technology course involves the study of the design process, design theory and factors in relation to design projects. In year 11 students complete at least 2 projects. In year 12 the course concentrates on developing a major design project and portfolio and the study of innovation and emerging technologies.

Hospitality Kitchen Operations

This course provides students with the opportunity to gain a range of skills and knowledge suitable for employment in a hospitality environment and to provide pathways to TAFE and other tertiary studies. The course is based on units of competency which have been developed by the hospitality industry. These competencies address the skills and knowledge needed by workers in the Hospitality industry. At Sefton High School the course focuses on the study of Commercial Cookery (practical food preparation).

Information Processes and Technology

This course involves the study of computer based information systems such as databases. It focuses on information processes performed by these systems and the technology that allows them to take place. Students will be involved in the development of database and spreadsheet based systems as well as fully functional and dynamic multimedia products. Social, ethical and non-computer procedures are considered. Different types of information systems are studied and through project work students will create their own information system to meet an identified need.

Technology and Applied Studies Facilities

The TAS Faculty uses a variety of specialist areas within the school and features these facilities:

  • Two TAS computer rooms equipped with 54 computers with access to Industry Standard Computer Aided Design and Drawing software, Web Development Software, Programming Software and Productivity Software.
  • Two Fully Equipped kitchens, one of which complies with ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) accreditation for the teaching of Hospitality.
  • A specialist electronics laboratory fully equipped for the production and testing of projects.
  • A metal workshop and two wood workshops featuring a variety of machinery and power tools.
  • A fully equipped Textiles room.

Techological and Applied Studies Assessment

Years 7 and 8 TAS Assessment

During the mandatory Technology course students are expected to produce at least 4 portfolios as evidence of design development using the design process. Class work, homework, research and product making also form part of the ongoing assessment. There is a mid year and end of year examination.

Years 9 and 10 TAS Assessment

Students undertaking the elective courses have specific projects, research and assignment work that is assessed. There is a mid year and an end of year examination in each course.

Years 11 and 12 TAS Assessment

There are mid year and end of year examinations as well as specific assessment tasks. Assessment tasks are set within the guidelines of NESA. Each task has a recommended weighting towards the Higher School Certificate assessment. This information is published each year in the Preliminary and Higher School Certificate Student and Parent Handbooks.