Year Seven Technology (Mandatory)
The TAS faculty provides an exciting and engaging program during Year 7 at Wadalba Community School. The programs we have put in place aim to continue the concepts taught during ‘Science and Technology'in K-6, and prepare students for the variety of design based subjects on offer during Stage 5.
During Year 7, students will complete 100 hours of technology lessons, covering two specific units. These units have the core aim of introducing the ‘design process' and the skills necessary to successfully design a system, product or built environment. The units are:
Multimedia Design
This unit is conducted over two terms and requires students to utilise the design process to design and create a range of projects. Students develop their skills in Image Manipulation, 3D modelling, Video, Animation and Programming. Part of this unit requires students to incorporate the fundamental principles of graphic design. The aim of this section is to teach students the graphical skills necessary for successful design, including sketching and storyboarding. Elements of the Multimedia focus in Technology Mandatory are adapted from Stage 5 courses; Industrial Technology Multimedia, Graphics Technology & Information Software Technology.
Textile Design
This unit is also conducted over 2 terms and requires students to utilise the design process to design and construct a range of fabric decoration and construction techniques. Students then apply their knowledge in the construction of a Textiles design project of their choice. Part of this unit requires students to incorporate the fundamental principles of graphic and interior design. The aim of this section is to teach students the graphical skills necessary for successful design, including sketching, rendering, orthographic, and pictorial drawing. Elements of the Textiles focus in Technology Mandatory are adapted from Stage 5 courses; Textiles and Design and Graphic Technology
The following is an extract from the ‘Technology (mandatory)' rationale found in the Technology (mandatory) syllabus, and provides an in depth description of the philosophies on which our Technology programs are built:
"Technology and an understanding of design processes enable people to manage, interpret, shape and alter their environment to improve their quality of life at home, school, in work places and in the broader community. The rapid rate of technological change in an increasingly knowledge-based society highlights the need for flexible technological capability, innovative thinking and effective communication skills.
Technology education integrates both procedural and conceptual knowledge based on a holistic view of design. Students identify needs that have personal relevance, apply design theory and use design processes that encourage flexibility, resourcefulness and imagination in the development, communication and production of quality solutions.
Students learn about technologies and use a range of materials, tools and techniques relevant to the personal, commercial and global areas of human activity. Technologies assume increased importance when they are applied to solve real problems and to create ideas and solutions in response to needs and opportunities for customers, clients or themselves. They can be used to add functional, aesthetic and environmental value to products.
Students can further develop a fascination with, and enjoyment of, innovating and creating through making decisions and in their production of working solutions. They will experience a core of design processes and technological experiences. In the broader community, the application of this process can involve the consideration of factors relating to organisations, people, environments, sustainability, appropriateness, materials, machines and equipment, systems, communication infrastructures, social and ethical solutions.
Thinking skills are developed experientially through the Technology (Mandatory) course as students design and make. The use of reflective, flexible and creative thinking skills are encouraged to build understanding of underlying principles that can be transferred to different project settings and applications. Study in technology develops skills in enterprise and initiative. Through practical experience it leads students to develop, select and apply technological skills involved in designing and producing. This includes processes of analysing, planning, producing, evaluating and maintaining the material and information needs of our society. Technology (Mandatory) builds on Science and Technology K–6 and is the foundation course in Secondary education that provides broad experience in a range of contexts that can be further explored in Technology elective courses 7–10 and Stage 6.