Technological and applied studies

Industrial arts offers an alternate approach to traditional classroom learning with a “hands on approach” to students learning. The school’s workshops have well maintained and resourced rooms, an experienced staff and a broad area covering student’s interest in metal, wood, computing and graphics/drawing.

The aim of the industrial arts is to develop a student’s 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. Courses in industrial arts aims to develop in students an understanding the interrelationships between technology, the individual, society and the environment and to develop their ability to think creatively to devise solutions to practical problems.

 Technology (Stage 4)

At Bomaderry High School, Year 7 technology classes are divided into lines based on core classes. Each line will have four technology classes. There are ten technology teachers at the school from agriculture, home economics and industrial arts backgrounds who will be teaching mandatory technology. Years 7 and 8 are allocated 4 x 75 minute periods per two week cycle. It is anticipated that every student will experience four of the five areas of agriculture, textiles, food technology, metal technology and wood technology during the two year course with each design specialisation taught once. A mandatory computing lesson is given every cycle to enforce the design specifications as it is expected that every product each student produces has an accompanying folio.

 Computing (Stages 5 & 6)

These courses provide students with an opportunity to learn how to develop software solutions by systematically solving problems using a creative approach. The courses also focus on the development of team and communication skills with students, which are recognised as being important prerequisites for successful designers. A variety of computer software applications can be used in innovative and exciting ways throughout the courses. As well as following the prescribed syllabuses, subjects have been developed to meet an area of identified interest and needs among students.

Agriculture provides students with a wide and varied interaction with agricultural production systems. At Bomaderry High School, we provide programs covering animal production including, cattle, poultry, sheep, pigs and bees, with studies in equally diverse plant production systems including pastures, summer and winter forage crops, vegetable and fruit production. Machinery operation and safety topics also provide good, useful and practical skills that can be applied in everyday life situations.

Practical skills are an essential and integrated part of the theoretical studies undertaken, providing the change for success for a wide range of student personalities and abilities.