Philosophy

New technologies and technological systems continually exert an ever-greater influence on our lives today. Design, Technology and Engineering and the study of designed solutions to practical problems has emerged as an absolutely essential part of a comprehensive public education. Technologies represent the real-world application of scientific principles to solve problems and increase our efficiency in the world, as well as our enjoyment of it.

Subjects

Subjects taught in the Junior school are Architectural & Engineering Drawing (Years 9 & 10) and Design & Technology (Years 7-10).

Subjects taught for the HSC are Engineering Studies , Software Design & Development, Information Processes & Technology (Accelerated) and Design & Technology (Accelerated).

As of 2010, Year 10 students will be able to select an accelerated subject in the Industrial Arts faculty for their HSC. Design & Technology and Information Processes and Technology will be on offer to those students who are capable of completing an accelerated HSC Course.

Our courses provide students with exposure to pre-engineering concepts and activities in the areas of architectural & technical drawing, software design & programming, CAD, computer applications such as power point, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, hydraulics and structural engineering. These experiences are essential for students to form a solid foundation for post-secondary education career choices and University.

Practical projects involve the mediums of Plastic, Wood & Metal and students design & construct a wide range of projects from Money Boxes & Tool Boxes to Side Tables & Chess Board Units.

The format of courses encourages students to develop team and individual work habits, problem solving and critical thinking skills, pride in the production of quality product and a sense of creative achievement. The Industrial Arts Department highlights the Eco Friendliness, minimal impact to the Environment, political & ethical correctness in the design & production of Students’ projects.

Higher School Certificate Results

Engineering Studies
The Engineering Studies results were excellent for the 2010 HSC, and consolidated another good year on the heels of last year’s exceptional results for Engineering at this school. This year Engineering Studies had excellent success with Anirban Ghose placing 4th in NSW.

The class, under the guidance of Mr Gifford, achieved 5 Band 6 results (35.71% of class members) compared with a state average of 7.93%. Furthermore, there were 9 Band 5 results (64.28% of class members) compared to the state average of 30.96%.

The class size of 14 students was very competent and motivated. Students enjoyed the course very much and this is reflected in the fine results achieved. Most are now studying Engineering at various universities.

Software Design and Development
The Software Design & Development Course had another very successful year backing up last year’s best results in 10 years.

This year SDD had great success with Jeffery Lam coming 2nd place in NSW with 98%. The results achieved in the 2010 HSC, under the guidance of Ms Dam, included 7 students receiving a Band 6 (41.17 % of class members) compared against a state average of 8.4 % and 5 students received a band 5 (29.41 % of class) compared to a state average of 19.12%.

Whilst the class was large in size with 17 students, the results demonstrate high success for students who study Software Design & Development for their HSC. The current Year 12 cohort is a smaller class of eager students well on their way to attaining another great year in HSC results.