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.
Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative subject areas. TAS encompasses a diverse range of subjects in NSW public schools.
Technological and Applied Studies at Springwood High School is the faculty that encompasses all of the practical based technology subjects.
In Years 7 and 8, all students participate in the Technology Mandatory Course. Throughout this course, they experience a diverse range of Digital, Engineered, Materials, Food and Agricultural Technologies. In each context, they are taught to problem solve real-world issues and to develop the corresponding practical projects, through the processes of design development, testing and evaluation.
In Years 9 and 10 students are given the opportunity to specialise their interests through their elective choices.
The continuum of technology learning is based on students becoming increasingly more sophisticated in their ability to design and produce solutions for authentic needs and opportunities.
The elective choices at Springwood High School include:
- Food Technology
- Graphics technology
- Industrial Technology Timber
- Industrial Technology Metals
- Information and Software Development
- Textiles Technology
Child Studies also resides within the TAS faculty area at Springwood High School.
In the senior school, TAS continues to offer further specialisation through targeted higher order engagement in both Vocational Educational Training (VET) Courses and NESA approved technology fields. These areas of opportunity include:
- VET Hospitality - Food and Beverage
- Industrial Technology Timber and Multimedia
- Textiles and Design
- Community and Family Studies
- Food Technology, and
- Information Processes and Technology
Some highlights for students who elect to study TAS subjects include:
- Preparing and serving food for weekly cafes and school functions
- Industry standard equipment in the Trade Training Centre kitchen
- Guest speakers from industry
- Fashion drawing workshops
- Textile fabric manipulation workshops
- Visit Scenic World to be 'Tourists for the Day'
- Tours of The Star in Sydney and
- Excursions to the Powerhouse Museum, just to name a few.