The Technology and Applied Studies KLA (TAS 1) covers a variety of subjects at Mulwaree High School. These being Technology Mandatory, Food, Textiles, Baking, Investigating Infancy, Hospitality, Community and Family Studies and Exploring Early Childhood.

TAS1 covers a diverse number of subject areas and endeavours to give students a range of learning experiences that will enhance their overall development. Students participate in both practical and theory lessons which compliment their overall learning and engagement within each subject.

JUNIOR COURSES

Year 7 and 8 Technology

Technology and the understanding of the design process forms the basis of the Year 7 and 8 Technology course. All students have the opportunity to sample a variety of Context Areas.

In the Food and Textiles areas Year 7 students have participated in "Tasty Treats". They learn the basics of food preparation, Labeling and packaging food products, nutrition and health and also the fundamental cooking principle of biscuit and cake production. This unit is diverse and culminates in the development of a Portfolio and packaged snack food. The "Dream Design" unit is based around learning fundamental sewing techniques and constructing a pair of PJ Boxer shorts. Students participate enthusiastically in these activities and learn about bedroom design and develop their own ideal teenage get away.

Year 8 also have the opportunity to participate in both the Food and Textiles areas. In "Family Feasts" students are required to investigate the nutritional requirements of a specific group and prepare a Recipe Book. Whilst working through this they have prepared and present a variety of meals suitable for all ages. The Textiles unit "Bags" builds on the basic skills developed in Year 7. They design and decorate a bag for a specified purpose. A portfolio is also a major part of this unit of work.

Throughout the Technology course all students undertake a range of practical experiences. These help develop knowledge and understanding of, and skills, in designing, producing and evaluating.

 Year 9 and 10 Food Technology

Food Technology provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation and their interrelationships and nutritional consumption patterns.

Participation in this course will expose students to a variety of aspects relating to hygiene and safe work practises, and provides students with a context through which to explore the richness, pleasure and variety that food adds to life.

Students develop practical skills in preparing and presenting food that will enable them to select and use appropriate ingredients, methods and equipment.  This course caters for all students' needs and interests.  It contributes to both vocational and general life experiences.

Year 9 and 10 Textiles Technology

Textiles Technology contributes to the overall education of students by enabling them to use a range of technologies and to enjoy leisure pursuits. Participating in Textiles Technology provides students with a broad knowledge of the properties, performance and uses of textiles. Methods of fabric decoration and construction techniques are explored. The Australian fashion Industry is also investigated with a focus on particular fashion designers.

Completion of projects is integral to developing skills and confidence in the manipulation and use of a range of textile materials, equipment and techniques.

Students will cover the Focus Areas of:- Apparel, Furnishings, Costume, Textile arts and Non apparel. Throughout these units design and production of practical projects will be incorporated. Some examples of projects undertaken are; Summer Dress, pyjama pants, soft toys, Christmas craft, calico creation, simple cocktail dress, evening bag and Fascinator.

 Year 9 and 10 Baking

This course explores all aspects of baking. It allows students to gain an understanding of the properties of foods and how to produce high quality baked goods.

Baking involves practical lessons that produce products of industry standard to delight family and friends. There is an emphasis on the presentation skills and finer details involved in cooking these products.

There will be some theory component that will look at principles, procedures and properties of food. The safety and equipment required for producing baked goods will be investigated.

Some of the topics that will be included in this course will include:-

1.       Breads and Yeast Products

2.       Pastry

3.       Tarts and Pies

4.       Cake Decoration

5.       Main Meals

6.       Biscuits

7.       Event Baking

Year 9 and 10 Investigating Infancy

Investigating Infancy involves practical fun experiences as well as giving a basic knowledge of the stages of development for a child.  Safety aspects within the home and with toys are also dealt with throughout the course.  Basic nutrition and meal planning is followed up by the planning of a child's party.

There is a vast array of interesting practical experiences ranging from craft to food preparation and toy making.

Some of the topics that will be included in this course will include:-

1.       Outline of child development 0-5

2.       Activities for young children

3.       Hints for child care and baby sitting

4.       Toys for young children

5.       Meals and snacks for young children

      6.    Perfect Parties for young children

SENIOR COURSES

Hospitality

A diverse range of occupations exists across the Hospitality industry. The Hospitality course delivered at Mulwaree High School follows The Tourism, Hospitality and Events Training Package (SIT07). Certificate II in Hospitality – Food and Beverage stand is offered to students. Learning within this Curriculum Framework provides opportunities for students to develop relevant technical, vocational and interpersonal competencies suitable for employment and further training in the Hospitality Industry.

Examples of some of the units that students participate in are:-

• Follow workplace hygiene procedures
• Organise and Prepare Food
• Prepare and serve espresso coffee
• Serve Food and Beverage to customers
• Work with colleagues and customers
• Apply hospitality skills in the workplace
• Follow health, safety and security procedures

 Hospitality provides skills, knowledge and experiences-such as teamwork, communication and occupational health and safety- that are transferrable to other industry areas. Practical work is of significant importance in this course and it is compulsory to attend all lessons. Also there is 35 hour per year Mandatory Work placement which must be completed each year.

This course is a dual accredited subject and offers students the chance to gain credit towards the HSC and credit towards national vocational qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework as if they have been studied at a TAFE College.

To meet the dual accreditation requirements, VETAB places several formal requirements on the student undertaking the course – these are not negotiable.

Community and Family Studies

Community and Family Studies is a course that aims to develop an understanding of the diverse nature of individuals and families within communities. Students investigate resource management and how this can support the needs of all individual and groups that make up Australian society. Students develop knowledge and understanding about how relationships of individuals, groups, families and the community contribute to a feeling of positive well-being.

The following Modules are covered throughout the course:-

·         Resource management

·         Individuals and Groups

·         Families and Communities

·         Research Methodology

·         Groups in Context

·         Parenting and Caring

·         Social Impact of Technology.

As part of the HSC course, students are required to complete an Independent Research Project. The focus of this project must relate to one or more of the Course Content Areas.

Textiles and Design

The Preliminary Textiles and Design course6 involves the study of design, communication methods, construction techniques, innovations, fibres, yarns and the textile industry. Practical experiences are integrated throughout the content areas and include experimental and project work.

The HSC Course builds upon skills and knowledge from the Preliminary year. It also involves the study of contemporary designers, emerging and sustainable technologies, consumer issues and the marketplace. This course culminates in the development of a Major Textiles Project, which is specific to a selected focus area (eg. Apparel, or non-apparel) and includes supporting documentation and textile item.

Exploring Early Childhood

Studying Exploring Early Childhood supports students in developing a commitment to understanding growth and development in young children. Students will:-

Develop awareness and understanding of the growth, development and learning of young children and the importance of the early childhood years.

Recognise the uniqueness of all children, including those who have special needs.

Become aware of the value of play in the lives of children, and consider means of providing safe and challenging environments for play.

Identify the range of services developed and provided for young children and their families.

Consider the role of family and community in the growth, development and learning of young children.

Reflect upon potential implications for themselves as adults, in relation to young children.

Understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures within Australia and the ways in which this influences children and  families.