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Northlakes High School

Northlakes High School

Opportunities for Future Success

Telephone02 4390 0555

Emailnorthlake-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Years 9-10

Stage 5 Child Studies

Child Studies explores the broad range of social, environmental, genetic and cultural factors that influence pre-natal development and a child's sense of wellbeing and belonging between 0 and 8 years of age.

Child Studies students will learn the multidimensional nature of child development and learning and the interconnectedness of the physical, social, emotional, personal, creative, spiritual, cognitive and linguistic domains. Students will have the opportunity to explore this interrelationship through each stage of development in the early years. Child Studies also includes study of preconception and family preparation, newborn care and the influence and impact of nutrition, play, technology and the media. Students will undertake the following modules in the child studies course.

  • Preparing for parenthood
  • Conception to birth
  • Family interactions
  • Newborn care
  • Growth and development
  • Play and the developing child
  • Health and safety in childhood
  • Food and nutrition in childhood
  • Children and culture
  • Media and technology in childhood
  • Aboriginal cultures and childhood
  • The diverse needs of children
  • Childcare services and career opportunities.

Stage 5 Food Technology

This course provides students with knowledge and skills regarding food properties, production, processing, nutritive value and marketing and include the following topics:

  • Food Selection and Health
  • Food Trends
  • Food Service and Catering
  • Food for Special Occasions

Practical activities form a large component of the assessable marks for this course and students need to be prepared for these lessons with appropriate PPE to participate.

Stage 5 Industrial Technology – Graphics

Graphics Technology enables students to practice logical thought and decision-making while developing skills applicable to a range of domestic, commercial and leisure activities. They engage in both manual and computer-based forms of image generation and manipulation and develop knowledge of the wide application of graphics in a variety of contexts and an ever-increasing range of vocations. Graphics Technology also develops students' technical and visual literacy, equipping them for participation in a technological world.

The use of graphical images to communicate information overcomes the barriers of time and linguistic, cultural and social differences. In an age of globalised industry and rapid technological development, where computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacture (CAM), interactive graphic design (IGD) and multimedia applications are widely used, the study of Graphics Technology is particularly relevant.

Graphics is a universal language and an important tool for thinking and communicating. Graphics Technology develops in students specific manipulative and cognitive skills in using a variety of tools, materials and techniques widely available in industrial, commercial and domestic settings. An important part of the cognitive process associated with this syllabus involves the generation and use of images, models and pictures. This includes the visualisation and manipulation of three-dimensional concepts and images and the interpretation and presentation of ideas graphically. Through the study of Graphics Technology students will develop the capacity to solve problems and generate and communicate solutions. They will become confident in the application of conventions and procedures that are essential to the global transfer of concepts and images irrespective of language barriers.

Industrial Technology Engineering – Stage 5

Industrial Technology - Engineering is a subject which provides an excellent link to the Engineering Studies and Physics courses in Years 11 & 12.

The focus area provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to engineering and its associated industries.

Core modules develop knowledge and skills in the use of materials, tools and techniques related to structures and mechanisms. These are enhanced and further developed through the study of specialist modules in:

•         Engineered Structures

•         Mechanisms

•         Control Systems

•         Alternative Energy

Practical projects should reflect the nature of the Engineering focus area and provide opportunities for students to develop specific knowledge, understanding and skills related to engineering. These may include:

•         small structures

•         small vehicles

•         a range of devices and appliances

•         robotics projects

•         electronic and mechanical control systems.

The course contains a significant practical focus with much of the course being covered through the building and testing to destruction of small structures using a range of materials which include metal, timber, plastics, composites and electronics.

Within each module students learn about;

  • OH&S and Risk Management
  • Material Properties
  • Equipment, Tools and Machines for Construction
  • Engineering Principles and Processes
  • Links to Industry
  • Engineering Design
  • Workplace Communication Skills
  • Environmental Impacts on society

Students considering further study in areas such as Engineering, Architecture, Industrial Design and Construction will find it of benefit to study Industrial Technology - Engineering in Years 9 & 10.

Stage 5 Industrial Technology Timber

Industrial Technology Timber is a Board of Studies Developed Course and therefore has mandatory requirements. This course has been designed to ensure that students will develop knowledge and skills in materials processes. Related knowledge and skills are developed through a specialised approach to the tools, materials and techniques employed in the planning, development, construction and evaluation of quality practical projects. The course has been designed to further practical skills related to the timber industry and develop critical thinking through engagement with practical problem solving activities.

Stage 5 Information Software and Technology

People can expect to work and live in environments requiring highly developed levels of computing and technological literacy. Current technologies are becoming obsolete at a rapid rate and new generations will need to be flexible to accommodate changes as they emerge. It is important that students learn about, choose and use appropriate information and software technology.

This course provides students with specialised knowledge of past, current and emerging technologies, data, hardware, software and careers in the field of information and software technology. Students will also investigate legal, ethical, social and industrial issues in the field of Information Technology. Students will engage in project work, individually and collaboratively.

Depending on whether the student selects the 100 or 200 hour course of study the options for investigation include artificial intelligence, simulation and modelling, authoring and multimedia, database design, digital media, the Internet and Website development and an introduction to software programming.

Some of the practical projects consist of designing and creating a radio segment using various pieces of technology, creating, producing and editing a short clay animation film, developing a working website using Adobe Dreamweaver and program development.

Students can progress into further computer based courses including Information Digital Media and Technology (VET), Software Design and development and Information Processing Technology in years 11 and 12.

 

See what you already know about IST - Click here (pps 431 KB)

Stage 5 Metal

Stage 5 Industrial Technology Metal course is designed to ensure that students will develop knowledge and skills in materials and processes. Related knowledge and skills are developed through a specialised approach to the tools, materials and techniques employed in the planning, development, construction and evaluation of quality practical projects and processes.

Industrial Technology Metal comprises of both practical and theory lessons with topics included:

  • Introduction to metals
  • Metals manufacture
  • Designing with metals

Practical projects that students will complete are:

  • Toolbox
  • Plumb Bob
  • Hammer
  • Stool
  • Car Stand
  • Folding Stool

During Industrial Technology Metal students will be able to identify and safely use tools and machines in the construction of practical projects.  The DEC requires students to wear fully enclosed leather footwear in practical lessons as part of the Workplace, Health and Safety legal requirements.

Stage 5 TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY

100 Hour Course
The aim of the Textiles Technology course is to develop confidence and proficiency in the design, production and evaluation of textile items.  Students learn about properties and performance of textiles, textile design and the role of textiles in society.  Practical project work forms an essential part of the course providing students with the opportunity of developing skills in the manipulation and use of textile materials, equipment and techniques.  Students also document their project work, showing the development and evaluation of their design ideas.

Students will have the opportunity to develop project work across a number of different focus areas, including:

  • apparel - fashion, clothing and accessories
  • furnishings
  • textile arts
  • costume
  • non- apparel