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.
The aim of the TAS faculty at Cessnock High School is to provide students with the knowledge skills and values to allow them to participate as a valuable member of society and more specifically to fulfil their desires in the world of work. Education in the TAS faculty enhances the student's range of employable skills through the teaching of a wide range of courses that are industry specific.
The purpose of the TAS (Mandatory) Years 7–8 syllabus is to develop students' ability to design, produce and evaluate quality solutions that respond to identified opportunities and needs. It enables students to justify solutions and to responsibly, safely and creatively use and select materials, tools and techniques.
Objective:
Knowledge, understanding and skills
Students will develop:
- knowledge, understanding and appreciation of and skills in design processes, design theory and the work of designers
- knowledge of and skills in researching, experimenting, generating and communicating creative design ideas and solutions
- knowledge and understanding of and skills in the responsible selection and safe use of materials, tools and techniques
- knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the impact of innovation and emerging technologies on the individual, society and the environment
- knowledge of and skills in managing quality solutions to successful completion
- understanding and appreciation of and skills in evaluating and reflecting on the success of their own and others' design activities.