Industrial Technology – Engineering 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 a range of materials, tools, machines and processes through the planning and production of a variety of quality practical projects. This subject provides an excellent background for students wishing to study Engineering Studies in Years 11 and 12.
All students will learn about the properties and applications of materials associated with their chosen area of study. They will study the range of tools, machines and processes available in both industrial and domestic settings for working with a variety of selected materials. Students will learn about safe practices for practical work environments, including risk identification and minimisation strategies. They will also learn about design and designing including the communication of ideas and processes.
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:
Control Systems
Alternative Energy.
Practical projects 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 major emphasis of the Industrial Technology syllabus is on students actively planning and constructing quality practical projects. Students will learn to select and use a range of materials for individual projects. They will learn to competently and safely use a range of hand tools, power tools and machines to assist in the construction of projects. They will also learn to produce drawings and written reports to develop and communicate ideas and information relating to projects.
Yes, we spend lots of time in the workshop building interesting things such as hydraulic robots, pinball machines and spaghetti bridges.
The Stage 5 course does not require high levels of mathematics as it is more focused on practical activities than mathematical problem solving.
This subject will help you get a feel for several components of the engineering profession such as CAD drawing, material analysis and the design process. It would be helpful for continuing on to Stage 6 Engineering Studies, which has more in common with an Engineering university course.
Each year you will have two practical design projects that are assessed along with a report or portfolio. Some of the assessment components are group tasks and some are individual. Watch this video to see an example of an engineering project.
Satisfactory completion of 100 or 200 hours of study in Industrial Technology - Engineering during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will be recorded with a grade on the student’s Record of School Achievement.