We are coming to the end of the term and it only seems a few days ago that we began the school year.

It is never too late to welcome the Year 7 students to our school community and wishing them all the best during their six years of high school. I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome all students and I am happy to report that they have settled into their classes very quickly and are working hard toward achieving their course outcomes. Teachers are very happy with the progress of their students and there are many exciting things happening in classrooms and in the faculty.

I would like to welcome Ms Annie Zimmerman and Ms Amy Cartwright who have joined the TAS department at the beginning of this year. We welcome them to our School Community.

Year 7 and 8

In Technology Mandatory, students will undertake three units of work on a rotational basis in each year. The syllabus requires 4 areas of study: Digital Technologies, Agriculture and Food Technologies, Materials Technologies and Engineering Systems.

Year 7 will complete units on Agriculture and Food Technologies, Engineering Systems and Digital Technologies (Coding). In Year 8 students will complete units of work on Materials Technologies, Timber and Textiles and Digital Technologies (GameMaker).

Each unit of work includes the study of Design thinking, Computational thinking and System thinking through the completion of a design project, where students apply problem solving, decision making, creative and critical thinking skills.

We also offer NE8 course, Design & Make, for students in Year 8.

Year 9 and 10

Elective subjects in Years 9 and 10 are Design and Technology, Industrial Technology- Timber, Textiles Technologies and Food Technology. In addition, the Design and Technology faculty offers the NEO course Graphic Design.

All courses are about to finalise their first unit of work and assessment tasks, students are working enthusiastically to achieve the outcomes to the best of their ability.

Y9 Food Technology Excursion to the Botanical Gardens

A review of this great excursion from Year 9 student, Avery. 

"The excursion at the Sydney Botanical Gardens was joyous, but nonetheless educational. Between learning about valuable Aboriginal culinary history, and secretly collecting traditional ingredients for our lesson the day after, neither topped eating lunch in the minty autumn breeze. I would not hesitate to recommend visiting, and hope to attend future events such as this one" Avery – Y9 Food Technology student

Year 11 and 12

Design and Technology, Industrial Technology – Timber and Textiles and Design students are working enthusiastically with their Assessment Tasks. Students are working on a variety of projects, from Architecture to Jewellery Design, from Interior Design to Industrial Design; all projects show high complexity problems and highly creative solutions.

Year 11 and 12 textiles classes also visited TextStyle at the Embroiderers Guild NSW, Gallery 76 in Concord. 

Below is an excursion summary and review two of our students put together following the gallery visit.

"This experience was beneficial for our senior textiles learning, and students gained knowledge and inspiration for their future assessment tasks. They were able to see many forms of textiles, all utilising a variety of techniques including embroidery, beading, smocking, felting and many more.

This exposure to the variety of textiles creations helped inspire our major works and consider how and why works were constructed. The different works showcased many significant topics such as feminism, featuring a pink power suit and climate change demonstrated in many works including a wall hanging inspired by coral bleaching and its detrimental impacts, other works showcased personal style and inspirations or historical events such as art movements.

Unique materials were also displayed such as a crochet adorned dress which depicted a giant octopus and other sea life in 3D forms. These Ingenious creations inspired us to further explore the world of textiles and build on our knowledge and techniques. This amazing experience helped build our knowledge and understanding, inspire our techniques and motivation and was beneficial in the progression or beginning of major works." Cara G and Amy A, Yr 11 Textiles and Design Students

Extracurricular Activities

The Design Enrichment Program is organised by the TAS/Design Faculty to provide learning experiences and to develop skills in the area of Design and technology.

A number of courses have been planned for Term 2: Felting, Crochet, Timber Shaker Boxes and 3D Modelling- Fusion 360.

Classes will run from Week 1 Term 2 on Tuesdays and Wednesday after school hours.

Subjects Fees

Department of Education - Elective Subject Contributions

“Should students elect to study subjects in the Key Learning Areas such as Creative Arts, Technology and Applied Science and PD/Health/PE where materials are used and consume, schools may charge an elective subject contribution. The level of elective subject contributions is determined by the Principal in consultation with the school community”.

Subject fees are distinct from school contributions. Subject fees reimburse the school for the purchase of materials directly used by students. Within the Design and Technology department, the majority of our budget is spent on consumables, such as food, timber, fabric, etc. That is, the day to day materials and equipment that we depend upon to deliver our specialised curriculum to students. In this regard, the amount of money that we received has a direct impact upon the quality teaching within the classroom.

If you have paid the fees for 2022 we thank you very much, if you have not yet paid we would very much appreciate your attention to this matter.

It is important for the safety of students that they wear closed leather shoes in all practical lessons.

We wish you all a well-deserved break!