TAS FACULTY (Technology and Applied Studies)

Staff: Ms K. Lissa (Head Teacher), Mrs K. Hook, Mrs D. Street, Mrs D. McDougall, Mrs C. Eisa, Mr W. Cook, Mr D. Olshen, Mr G. Carson, Mrs D. Hewitt, Mrs V. Munro.

Welcome to TAS …. Technology and Applied Studies at Gymea Technology High School. TAS is an umbrella term that links together many and varied technology based courses. Students studying TAS courses are given the opportunity to safely and creatively work with Tools, Materials and Techniques to design and make unique solutions to design problems.

Technology and Applied Studies courses aim to develop the higher order thinking skills of students as they apply knowledge to create solutions and deeply engage in the technologies they are using. The experiences they undertake are designed to connect with the real world surrounding the students. It is anticipated that technology courses provide students with the skills to be effective life long learners.

The TAS Faculty consists of a team of professional, experienced and dynamic staff who bring a wealth of experience to the teaching and learning of students. Programs and resources are constantly evaluated and updated to ensure that students are given the best opportunities in a modern society.

COURSES
The following are the technology courses offered by the TAS faculty at GTHS

Technology (Mandatory) Yrs 7 - 8
Students are given the opportunity to develop their ability to Design, Produce and Evaluate solutions for identified needs.
Over two years, the students use a variety of technologies including: food, timber, acrylic (polymer), textile, graphic, and information communication technologies.
It enables students to responsibly, safely and creatively use and select materials, tools and techniques.
Project work forms the basis of every unit

Food Technology Yrs 9 -10 and Yrs 11 – 12
Food Technology allows students to understand the impacts of food preparation, nutritional value and food technologies on our quality of life.
Students engage in practical work in order to understand the properties of food and the impact of preparation techniques on the quality of food produced.

Industrial Technology (Timber) Yrs 9 -10
Industrial Technology provides students with the opportunity to use a variety of technologies to think creatively and manufacture solutions to practical problems.
Timber - A major focus for this course is Occupational Health and Safety. Students learn to use tools safely and gain an appreciation of the importance of a safe working environment.
Related woodwork theory is also studied as students work with tools and materials related to the timber manufacturing industries. They design timber products for manufacture; some of which may include knife blocks, coffee tables, CD racks and wooden toys for children.
Multi-Media – Students develop skills related to the development of computer animations, web pages, photographic and multimedia presentations. This is a hands-on course and encourages students to use creativity when working on projects.

Graphics Technology Yrs 9 – 10
Graphics is a universal language and an important tool for thinking and communicating. Graphics Technology enables students to practice logical thought and decision-making while developing skills applicable to a range of domestic, commercial and leisure activities. They engage in both manual and computer-based forms of image generation and manipulation and develop knowledge of the wide application of graphics in a variety of contexts and an ever-increasing range of vocations. Graphics Technology also develops students’ technical and visual literacy, equipping them for participation in a technological world.
Through the study of Graphics Technology students will develop the capacity to become confident in the application of conventions and procedures that are essential to the global transfer of concepts and images irrespective of language barriers.

Design and Technology    Yrs 9 - 10 (Fashion)
Students develop their ability to Design, Produce and Evaluate. They explore the impact of technological innovation and design on our world. Practical work is a large component of the course. Students work with textiles to produce a variety of fashion items and accessories and theory work is directly linked to the practical work being studied. Design folios are produced to present their work.

Design and Technology Yrs 11- 12 (Timber)
Year 11 – 12 students work with timber. A major work consisting of a practical project & folio is designed to solve a perceived need. The major work is generated in year 12 and contributes 60% towards the students HSC, the remaining 40% is the Design & Technology theory component which is tested in the HSC written exam. An exhibition of the most excellent Design & Technology works is held each year at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. The exhibition is called DesignTech.

Child Studies Yrs 9 - 10
This course investigates the physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and language development of children. From conception through the birth process and into the primary school years, students track the needs and issues associated with child development.
Students studying this course are given the opportunity to interact with preschool and infants children in the local community.
Additionally, the school has a virtual baby which students take home over night. These babies simulate the demands of a new born child and students very quickly learn about the high level of care needed. This is an experience greatly valued by the students.

Community and Family Studies Yrs 11 – 12
Contemporary society is characterised by rapid social change, cultural diversity, conflicting values and competitive pressure. Developing understanding about society and living in society requires a comprehensive knowledge of its complex nature. Community and Family Studies draws upon selected components of family studies, sociology, developmental psychology and students' general life experiences.
Communication and research skills are the foundation of this course. These skills will continue to assist the students long after their final exams; empowering them to participate more fully in the groups of society to which they belong.
CAFS can have a really positive influence on the quality of students’ lives both now and in the future.

Hospitality VET Yrs 11 -12
Hospitality is a dual accredited Vocational Education and Training course. This means that at the successful completion of the course, students will gain a nationally recognised Certificate II in Hospitality and have the opportunity to sit for the HSC exam to gain marks for a UAI.
The hospitality course is an entry level course, training students with the food preparation and customer service skills required for participation in the hospitality industry.
Students participate in mandatory 35 hours of work placement at negotiated hospitality locations each year of their senior studies.
Many of our students have received offers of further training and employment as a result of the participation in this course.
One of the units students study is Prepare & Serve Expresso Coffee which will enable students to develop skills in our own Gymea Lily Café.

Business Services
Business Services is a dual accredited Vocational Education and Training course. This means that at the successful completion of the course, students will gain a nationally recognised Certificate II in Business Services and have the opportunity to sit for the HSC exam to gain marks for a UAI.
The Business Services curriculum has been designed to enable students to acquire a range of technical, personal and organisational skills valued both within and beyond the workplace.
At school, students participate in Nina’s Chocolates Virtual Enterprise to develop skills needed to manage, own, or work in small and large business environments. Students will also be involved in the running of Gymea Lily Café.
Classes are conducted at Gymea Technology High School in the school computer labs to increase and improve computing skills of students.
Students participate in mandatory 35 hours of work placement at negotiated Business Services locations each year of their senior studies.