Technology Department
The Technology department at Lurnea High School offers all students, boys and girls, the gifted and talented and those students with special needs, a range of courses which were traditionally linked to Industrial Arts and Home Economics.
These courses, both practical and theoretically orientated, deal with giving students an awareness and opportunity towards the development of problem solving skills related to changes in technology in today's society. They also preview some of the trades and professions which can be highly beneficial in each student's career choice.
In the junior school, courses available to students include the study of technologies in metal, timber, plastics, textiles and food as well as technical drawing. The design elements of each of the tasks / projects undertaken by students are discussed so that the students are aware of the role of the design team in the production / manufacture of the products which are available for purchase in our modern society. Prior to reproducing a product from a workshop drawing, recipe or pattern, students practice the skills required to ensure sound, safe working habits and research the processes and techniques required through both theory instructions and computer reference. The progress of each student's effort is recorded in a portfolio and students are asked to present an evaluation for each of the tasks completed. In all courses, the importance of all aspects of safe working practices are taught and adhered to.
Year 7 and 8 Technology (Stage 4)
Students learn about technologies and use a range of materials, tools and techniques relevant to 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.
Year 9 and 10 Industrial Technology (Stage 5)
Industrial Technology is an elective course that develops students' knowledge and understanding of materials and processes in a range of technologies. They develop knowledge and skills relating to the selection, use and application of materials, tools, machines and processes through the planning and production of quality practical projects. The Industrial Technology course may be studied through one of these focus areas: metal, multimedia, polymers graphics and timber.
Year 9 and 10 Food Technology (Stage 5)
The study of Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationship, nutritional considerations and consumption patterns. It addresses the importance of hygiene and safe working practices and legislation concerning the production of food.
Year 11 and 12 Industrial Technology Timber & Multimedia (Stage 6)
Industrial Technology has been developed to incorporate content related to current and developing technologies. It offers students the opportunity to study the interrelationships of technologies, equipment and materials used by industry and to develop skills through the processes of design, planning and production.
For further information regarding subject information_ http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/yr07_10/index.php
Vocational Education and Training
One of the NSW Government's major innovations in recent years has been to provide even more opportunities for vocational education and training (VET) in NSW schools, and to broaden the provision of VET for school students in Years 11 and 12. HSC VET students can now work towards an accredited qualification, the HSC, and entrance to university. By carefully targeting VET in schools we are helping young people to get a taste of what interests them and meets their aptitudes – helping them to make career decisions, giving them a head start, and making their transition into the workforce much easier. VET allows students to develop industry-recognised skills while at school, and then choose from a broad range of post-school options. The evidence shows that Year 11 and 12 students who undertake VET as part of their HSC have better job prospects than those who do not.
Metal and Engineering
The Metal and Engineering Curriculum Framework is designed to enable students to acquire a range of technical, practical, personal and organisational skills valued both within and beyond the workplace. They will also acquire underpinning knowledge and skills related to work, employment and further training within the manufacturing, engineering and related services industries.
Working in the metal and engineering industry involves:
constructing, assembling, installing, modifying, repairing and maintaining machines
assembling, making parts, equipment, machines, instruments and tools
designing machinery, parts, computer hardware and electronic circuits, using 3D graphics and drafting skills
managing clients and staff, overseeing quotas and information, leading projects
Hospitality
With an employment base of more than 1.3 million people, the hospitality and associated industries are preparing for an additional 325,000 new jobs across all sectors. Dominated by a mix of interdependent small to medium businesses, the industry employs a large number of young people, many in part-time as well as full-time positions and with a growing trend of casualisation of the workforce. The hospitality industry is an important part of the Australian economy, contributing significantly to the gross domestic product.
Working in the hospitality industry involves:
supporting and working with colleagues to meet goals and provide a high level of customer service
developing menus, managing resources, preparing, cooking and serving a range of dishes
providing food and beverage service in a range of settings
providing housekeeping and front office services in hotels, motels, resorts and other hospitality establishments
planning and organising events and managing services.
For more information on possible outcomes please visit the NSW Board of Studies website: http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au