Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)
What is TAS?
TAS stands for Technological and Applied Studies. The range of subjects under this umbrella is vast and here at GRC Hurstville Boys Campus our current TAS subjects on offer are as follows;
Year 7 & 8 Compulsory Subject -
Technology Mandatory with units in Timber, Graphics, Mixed Materials and Metal Technologies
Trialling for 2017 – Units in 3D Printing, Robotics, Coding
Years 9 & 10 Elective Subjects -
Industrial Technology (Timber and Metal courses are offered)
Graphics Technology
Information and Software Technology (IST)
New for 2018 – Industrial Technology (Engineering)
Why Study TAS Subjects?
The benefits of studying TAS subjects are many.
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
At the heart of each TAS course lies the principles of problem solving and critical thinking. Students are presented with opportunities to learn and develop these skills in practical situations with real world problems and real world constraints. Students learn to design, build and construct quality products in a well organised and structured process. This future focused approach to learning new skills supports students as they move toward senior schooling and prepares them for life beyond school where traditional employment opportunities experience continual change.
Integrated Information and Software Technologies
TAS subjects integrate information and communication technologies in to all courses and help students gain skills in computing that are most relevant in today's world – ICT skills range from using MS Office software packages, cloud storage and management, 3D modelling for presentation of ideas, e-folio design and management.
Design Process and Project Management Skills
Students are challenged to develop solutions to problems, appraise their solutions, re-work designs and then develop their programme for production of their solution. Final evaluation helps students think about how they might improve their worked solution and develop deep understanding of the design and production processes. Each project aims to grow the student's project management skills. These techniques are taught explicitly and are transferable skills for students to arm them for any situation or project they might encounter in the future and in their everyday life.
Skills for Life
Practical skills for personal development and recreational purposes as well as developing core skills for students wishing to pursue employment in a trade. The hands on nature of TAS subjects has long been identified as having a positive effect on well-being as well as helping students achieve success, grow self-esteem, develop positive relationships while working in teams or individually.
Broadening Horizons
Understanding the world around you – the TAS key learning area provides opportunities for students to analyse the built environment in which they live. This gives students a more rounded perspective on how or why aspects of the built environment are the way they are and what life would be like without some of these features.
Safety and Personal Responsibility
Personal Responsibility for Safety and Well Being – students are taught the importance of working in a safe and responsible manner for the benefit of themselves and others around them. This is an on-going theme in all TAS subjects and aims to develop students who are considerate, mindful and switched on to hazards as they present themselves in everyday life as well as in their school environment.
What is Future Focused Learning?
Future focussed learning aims to prepare students for their place in a society that is experiencing significant change and development. The rapid pace of development of automated processes and smart technologies means that the workplace of the future will be very different from what it currently looks like today. Students need to be prepared and be able to think laterally about problem solving and project managing two areas identified as being of significant importance in the society of the future.
For more information on Future Focussed Learning – click here
S.T.E.A.M. – Science Technology Engineering Art & Mathematics
This area of study looks at the combination of each of these traditional learning areas. STEAM education demonstrates the interconnectedness of these subjects how they can be used together to best understand problems and develop solutions that are innovative and appropriate to the 21st century.
For more information on STEAM – click here
What Does the Syllabus Say?
Industrial Technology Years 7 – 10 Syllabus (2003)
Aim
The aim of the Industrial Technology Years 7–10 Syllabus is to develop in students' knowledge, understanding, skills and values related to a range of technologies through the safe interaction with materials, tools and processes in the planning, development and construction of quality practical projects. The syllabus aims to develop in students an understanding of the interrelationships between technology, the individual, society and the environment, and to develop their ability to think creatively to devise solutions to practical problems.