Technologies

WOODWORK

The woodwork shop is open during most recesses and lunch time for extra opportunities.  Woodwork can lead to a range of career pathways, especially in trade and construction work, including:

• Carpenter 
• Cabinetmaker 
• Joiner 
• Shopfitter 
• Boat Builder 
• Framer or Roof Truss Installer 
• Construction Worker / Builder 

These roles often start with apprenticeships and can lead to high-demand, well-paying careers in residential, commercial, or industrial construction.

CURRICULUM

Year 7 – Introduction to Woodwork 

The main focus in Year 7 is on developing basic hand skills, understanding workshop safety, and becoming familiar with materials. Students are introduced to different timber types and their properties while learning to identify and safely use hand tools. They complete simple woodworking projects that reinforce core skills and safe practices.

Year 8 – Developing Confidence and Precision 

Year 8 builds on foundational skills with a greater emphasis on independence and precision. Students explore the differences between hardwood and softwood and begin to apply basic joining techniques such as butt joints and dowels. There is a strong focus on accurate measuring and marking. Functional projects are completed using both hand tools and basic machinery under supervision. 

Year 9 – Applying Design Thinking and Techniques 

In Year 9, the focus shifts toward solving real-world problems through the design process. Students consider sustainability in material choices and develop more complex projects that may include moving parts or the integration of multiple materials. There is increased use of power tools and machinery, along with more structured application of design thinking and documentation. 

Year 10 – Refinement and Independent Projects 

Year 10 emphasises advanced practical skills, creative exploration, and project management. Students investigate timber selection based on function and aesthetics and apply advanced joining methods. They engage in project planning, including costing and time management. The year culminates in a larger, self-directed project that showcases their skills, independence, and understanding of the design process.

METAL WORK

Metal working skills can lead to a range of career pathways:

• Metal fabrication – eg Boiler maker / welding
• Mechanical Trade – mechanic, mechanical fitter
• Fitter and Turner
• Engineering fields

Curriculum

Year 7

Workshop safety induction.
Development of skills in concepts and design for project planning.
Students work with plastics and metal to produce acrylic key tag, acrylic board game, cast resin fishing lure and aluminium fishing gauge.

Year 8

Sheet metal fabrication – tool box.
Introduction to the basics of machining on the metal lathe.
Students learn the basics of jewellery construction by making a nickel silver ring and twist bracelet.
Students work with thermoset plastics.

Year 9

Students learn the basics of MIG welding – produce a metal art / design project.
They learn the basics of metal forging – fire poker
Students learn the fundamentals of knife making to produce a stainless-steel cheese or cake knife with a timber laminate handle.
Introduction to the basic principles of a 4-stroke motor.
Engineering challenge.

Year 10

Students expand their knowledge and skill in MIG welding, sheet metal fabrication, metal forging and machining.
They learn how to stick weld, plasma cut and use gas cutting equipment.
Practical mechanical activities.
Students use their knowledge of concept and design principles to plan a major project of their choice.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

In Digital Technology classes, we use Grok Learning, an online platform that aids students to develop their skills, such as coding.  Students are also able to access a wide range of electronics equipment, for hands-on learning and project creation.  These classes are supported with a specialist teacher, who can guide them to pursue their diverse interests within highly technical areas.  Digital Technologies also offers opportunities for students to engage in Robotics Club, compete in various competitions (Western Australian Robotics Playoffs Yr9/10, STEM video game challenge Yr9/10, VEX IQ competition Yr7/8 - starting in 2026).

Learning about digital technologies can build transferable skills in problem-solving, collaboration, creativity and innovation, which are valued across many career areas.  There are pathways into ICT, software development, engineering, robotics, game design, cybersecurity and other emerging digital industries.

Year 7

• Safe and responsible use of technology. 

• Introduction to Digital Systems and coding fundamentals. 

• Practical projects with Micro:bit, introducing programming logic, input/output, and sensors.  

• Introduction to robotics.

Year 8

• Expanding coding knowledge using Micro:bit and Python. 

• Data representation and basic networks. 

• Small projects, to apply computational thinking and problem-solving skills.

Year 9 & 10

• The focus is on project-based learning.  

• Students are offered a diverse range of project choices that encourage them to pursue their interest while exploring the diverse range of skills required for the creation of digital solutions. 

• Project examples include game development, recycling/ repurposing obsolete computer equipment and building an industrial-sized robot for a competition in August.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Students are encouraged to learn to work effectively in teams and independently, enhancing life skills. Students who require extra support are offered one on one demonstrations in the practical setting. Year 9 and 10 students are offered the opportunity to learn barista and customer service skills. Career pathways include working within the food and beverage industry in a variety of roles, including food preparation or service; nutrition specialists, public health advisors, quality assurance, food sales and marketing and sustainable food production. 

Year 7

Nutritional value and physical properties of food determine preparation techniques and presentation; health and safety in the kitchen, planning and preparing healthy meals, recipes reading. Students participate in activities to learn safe knife skills, sensory evaluation of foods and food processing techniques.

Year 8

Sensory properties of food to create healthy eating solutions; Health and Safety in the kitchen, safe knife handling skills, how to plan and prepare healthy meals, how to use a variety of cooking techniques to enhance the sensory properties of food, the importance of minimising food waste and shopping locally.

Year 9

Principles of food including safety, nutrition, preservation, preparation, presentation, physical and sensory properties and perceptions.

Year 10

Healthy eating through the skills and knowledge of nutrients and the application of the principles of food safety, preservation, preparation, presentation and sensory perceptions.