STAGE 5 - YEAR 9
CHILD STUDIES (100)
The Child Studies course aims to give our students the skills and self confidence to act as responsible caregivers. The course also provides the students with an introduction to the Child Care Industry and the requirements needed for that field.
Child Studies seeks to raise the students' awareness of society as a whole, especially relating to the family, development of the child and the vital role played by the parents and caregivers. Students will develop the confidence to interact with young children, identify and utilise a range of resources available to young children and gain a knowledge and understanding of the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of a child.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY - EAT TO LIVE (100)
The health of communities is related to the nutritional content of the food eaten. In Unit 1 students will examine the role of food and its nutritional components in the body, explore the nutritional needs of individuals and groups, explain the effects of poor nutrition and investigate means of improving the nutritional status of individuals and groups.
Special food needs arise for a variety of reasons including age, health, lifestyle choices, cultural influences or logistical circumstances. In Unit 2 students will explore a range of special food needs and the means to satisfy these. Students will plan and prepare safe and nutritious foods to reflect national food guides.
During the study of each unit students will be required to undertake practical activities designed to refine and enhance student knowledge, understanding and skills.
TEXTILES TECHNOLOGY - FUNKY THREADS (100)
This subject focuses on a study of textiles and the use of textile materials in designing modern clothing, furnishings and textile artworks. Throughout the course students will study a minimum of two Focus areas from Apparel, Furnishings, Costume, Textile Arts and Non Apparel items.
Project work forms the basis of every unit of work. A focus area is selected as a starting point and content from the areas of study is integrated to meet students' needs and interests. There are two components to project work:
- Development of practical skills to produce a textile item and,
- Documentation of student work in the form of a written portfolio.
Students interested in this course can continue to study Textiles and Design in Year 11 and 12 for the Higher School Certificate.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY - ELECTRONICS (100)
This course offers an opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the technology that affects all our lives; the circuits and components that control our computers, TVs, Hi-Fi systems and the family car.
The Electronics course has been designed to make learning fun. Students learn electronic principles and gain practical skills through building interesting and functional projects. The components used and methods of construction employed are those used in today's electronics industry. Students use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to manufacture and test their projects.
Year 9 Electronics students will study digital circuits, audio circuits, control circuits and security devices.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY – TIMBER (100)
Traditionally known as ‘Woodwork,' Technology Timber is a popular subject that appeals to both genders.
The subject involves the development of practical skills and knowledge associated with timber through the completion of interesting and useful projects.
Associated theory includes the topics; Timber as a Renewable Resource, Factors affecting Design, and Timber Finishing techniques studied in this course. Students will develop skills in the correct and safe use of hand tools, portable power tools and fixed machinery.
Students entering a career in the Timber Industry will find this subject beneficial. It is a useful subject for those enjoying woodworking as a hobby. The skills and knowledge gained through this subject are useful assets for future study in HSC subjects such as Industrial Technology, Construction and Design and Technology.
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY – METAL (100)
Traditionally know as ‘Metalwork' Industrial Technology Metal offers the opportunity for students to appreciate the Metals Industries through the development of practical skills. Students learn a variety of technologies and techniques with metal in order to manufacture interesting and useful projects.
Associated theory includes: Project Design, Industry Links (how things are done beyond school) and specialised manufacturing tools and processes. Safety also plays an important role in empowering students with a responsible attitude towards the use of hand and machine tools.
Students contemplating a career in the Metals and associated Industries will find this subject useful. Equally students who enjoy using their hands in the production of quality projects as a hobby will find it beneficial. The knowledge and skills developed in this course will be a useful asset for student considering the HSC in subjects such as Engineering Studies, Design and Technology and Industrial Technology – Metals and Engineering Industries.
STAGE 5 - YEAR 10
Year 10 is the first of three years of Senior Studies at Kotara High School. The curriculum structure and emphasis has been designed to better prepare our Year 10 students for the rigors of both the Preliminary and HSC courses as well as ensuring our students leave with the best exit credentials, not only at the end of Year 12, but also if they decide to leave earlier.
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY 1 (100)
This subject focuses on developing knowledge and skills in the areas of Building and Construction.
This includes:
- The properties and applications of materials used in residential construction
- Use of correct equipment, tools and machines
- Measuring and marking out techniques
- Industry links
- Design
- Workplace and Communication skills
Theoretical aspects of the course are directly related to Practical Projects undertaken.
Students contemplating a career in the Construction Industry will find this subject beneficial. It is a useful subject for those enjoying working outdoors. The skills and knowledge gained through this subject are useful assets for Building & Construction Technology 2 Year 10.
CHILD STUDIES (100)
This course gives students the opportunity to explore a range of issues within the early childhood years (0-5 years). Through the study of this course students will:
- Learn about the importance of play for young children and will develop and produce a children's toy
- Investigate a range of health and safety issues in childhood including immunisation, the importance of home safety and appropriate first aid for childhood accidents and injuries
- Investigate the range of child care services available to families and explore the career opportunities available in the children's services industry
- Investigate the ways in which the digital age has changed the shape of learning and development for children
- Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate with young children
During the study of each unit students will undertake practical activities designed to refine and enhance their knowledge, understanding and skills. Throughout the course students will be given opportunities to visit child care centres and schools to observe and interact with young children. They will also take on the role of "Parent" to "Baby Levi" (infant simulation doll), to experience the demands and joys of parenting an infant. Many students find this to be a very exciting and rewarding experience.
The child care industry in Australia is rapidly expanding and as a result there is an increasing demand for child care workers. This course is ideal for students interested in a career working with young children in pre-schools or day care centres etc.
ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 1 (100)
This course offers an opportunity for students to gain an understanding of the technology that affects all our lives; the circuits and components that control our computers, TVs, Hi-Fi systems and the family car. Electronics is taught in a specially equipped workshop by an experienced teacher.
The Electronics course has been designed to make learning fun. Students learn electronic principles and gain practical skills through building interesting and functional projects. The components used and methods of construction employed are those used in today's electronics industry. Students use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to manufacture and test their projects.
Students will study digital circuits, audio circuits, control circuits and gaming devices through the completion of 9 to 10 projects.
ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY 2 (100)
This course builds on the foundation skills and knowledge covered in Technology Electronics 1. Students focus on circuit design and component identification modules through the design, development and construction of several specialised electronic projects.
Students will be encouraged to have individual input in the design and construction of each electronics project with students given opportunity towards the end of the course to design and produce a project of particular interest to them. More capable students are encouraged to expand their studies into the field of CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) techniques in the production of their projects.
Prerequisites: Electronics Technology 1
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY 1 (100)
Traditionally known as Industrial Technology Engineering, this subject provides a sound foundation of Engineering Fundamentals. There are a broad number of areas to be covered such as Engineering Materials, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Drawing and Societal and Environmental Impacts of Engineering. Students will complete two modules in this subject:
- Engineered Structures (Civil Structures, Forces and their effects on Structures, Materials used to construct)
- Engineered Mechanisms (Properties, Testing and Modification of Materials, Mechanisms, Simple Machines)
- Engineered Control Systems (Electronic & Mechanical Control Systems, Robotics Projects)
All theoretical tasks and practical exercises will be directly related to a specific focus area (eg. Bridge Design). This will ensure that concepts taught/covered have direct links to the Built Environment.
Students contemplating a career in Engineering will find this subject useful. Equally students who are interested in Mathematics, Science and Technical Drawing will find it beneficial. The knowledge and skills developed in this course will be a useful asset for students considering HSC Engineering Studies.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY – FOOD SERVICE & CATERING (100)
This course is aimed at both students who have studied Food Technology in Year 9 and those new to Food Technology in Year 10.
There is no pre-requisite to have studied Food Technology previously.
Food service and catering are important areas of the food industry. They provide people with both food and employment. In Unit 1 students will examine food service and catering ventures and their operations across a variety of settings, along with employment opportunities in the Hospitality Industry.
Food is an important component of many special occasions. In Unit 2 students will explore a range of special occasions including social, cultural, religious, historical and family, and examine the elements of small and large scale catering for such events.
During the study of each unit students will be required to undertake practical activities designed to refine and enhance student knowledge, understanding and skills. This will include planning and preparing safe and appealing foods appropriate for catering for small or large scale functions and special occasions. Students will also gain experience in preparing and serving espresso coffee.
This course provides an excellent foundation for those students interested in studying VET Hospitality in Years 11 and 12.
FOOD TECHNOLOGY – TRENDY FOOD (100)
This course is aimed at both students who have studied Food Technology in Year 9 and those new to food Technology in Year 10.
An ever increasing array of food products is available in the marketplace as a result of food product innovations. In Unit 1 students will examine the reasons for developing food products, the impact of past and present food product innovations on society, and explore the processes in food product development.
Food trends influence food selection, food service and food presentation. In Unit 2 students will examine historical and current food trends and explore factors that influence their appeal and acceptability. Students will also investigate the role of food styling and photography in promoting food products.
During the study of each unit students will be required to undertake practical activities designed to refine and enhance student knowledge, understanding and skills. These activities include planning, preparing and presenting safe and appealing foods that reflect current trends, developing and producing a food product, and garnishing and styling food for photography.
This course provides an excellent foundation for those students interested in studying Senior Food Technology in Years 11 and 12.
FUNKY THREADS, FASHION, TEXTILES AND DESIGN (100)
This course is aimed at both students who have studied Textiles in Year 9 and those new to Textiles in Year 10. There is no pre-requisite to have studied Textiles previously.
This subject focuses on a study of textiles and the use of textile materials in designing modern clothing, furnishings and textile artworks. Throughout the course students will study a minimum of 2 Focus areas from Apparel, Furnishings, Costume, Textiles Arts and Non Apparel items.
Project work forms the basis of every unit of work. A focus area is selected as a starting point and content from the areas of study is integrated to meet students' needs and interests.
Students will need to purchase fabric and textile items when undertaking individual design projects.
TIMBER TECHNOLOGY 1 (100)
Traditionally known as ‘Woodwork,' Timber Technology is a popular subject that appeals to both genders. The subject embraces the development of practical skills and knowledge associated with timber through the completion of interesting and useful projects.
Practical projects for this course may include Furniture Items, Decorative Timber Products, Storage and Display Products.
Associated theory includes Project Work relating to Practical Projects being completed, Timber as a Renewable Resource, Factors Affecting Design, Materials, Tools and Techniques. Students will develop skills in the correct and safe use of hand tools, portable power tools and fixed machinery.
Students contemplating a career in the Timber Industry will find this subject beneficial. It is a useful subject for those enjoying woodworking as a hobby.
TIMBER TECHNOLOGY 2 (100)
This course builds on the foundation, skills and knowledge gained from Timber Technology 1.
The subject involves the development of advanced practical skills and knowledge associated with timber through the completion of interesting and useful projects.
Practical projects for this course include Cabinet Work and Wood Machining, which includes Furniture Items, Decorative Timber Products, Storage and Display Products.
Associated theory includes Project Work relating to Practical Projects being completed, Timber as a Renewable Resource, Factors Affecting Design, Materials, Tools and Techniques. Students will develop advanced skills in the correct and safe use of hand tools, portable power tools and fixed machinery.
Students contemplating a career in the Timber Industry will find this subject beneficial. It is a useful subject for those enjoying woodworking as a hobby. The skills and knowledge gained through this subject are useful assets for future study in HSC subjects such as Industrial Technology, VET Construction and Design and Technology.
Prerequisites: Timber Technology 1
VET METALS & ENGINEERING
See VET Faculty page