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Industrial Arts

Philosophy

New technologies and technological systems continually exert an ever-greater influence on our lives today. Design, Technology and Engineering and the study of designed solutions to practical problems has emerged as an absolutely essential part of a comprehensive public education. Technologies represent the real-world application of scientific principles to solve problems and increase our efficiency in the world, as well as our enjoyment of it.

Subjects

Subjects taught in the Junior school are Graphics Technology as Architectural & Engineering Drawing (Years 9 & 10), Design & Technology (Years 7-10), Computing Technology as Mechatronics and as Game Development (Year 10) .

Subjects taught for the HSC are Engineering Studies and Software Engineering.

Our courses provide students with exposure to pre-engineering concepts and activities in the areas of architectural and technical drawing, software engineering and programming, CAD, computer applications such as power point, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing and structural engineering. These experiences are essential for students to form a solid foundation for post-secondary education career choices and University.

Practical projects involve the mediums of plastics & timber and students design & construct a wide range of projects from racing cars, footstools, bedside tables and chess / gameboard units.

The format of courses encourages students to develop team and individual work habits, problem solving and critical thinking skills, pride in the production of quality products and a sense of creative achievement.

The Industrial Arts Department highlights the eco-friendliness, the minimal impact to the environment and the political and ethical correctness in the design and production of students’ projects.

Higher School Certificate Results

Engineering Studies

The Engineering Studies results have been excellent and consolidate impressive years of exceptional results for Engineering at this school. HSC students, under the guidance of Mr R Gifford and Mr D Huynh have, on average, achieved 45% Band 6 results, compared to the state average of 9%. The remaining students achieve a Band 5 result.

Engineering Studies students at Sydney High are very competent and motivated. Students enjoy the course very much, and this is reflected in the fine results achieved. Most Engineering Studies students go on to study a discipline of Engineering at various universities.

Software Engineering

The Software Engineering Course has consistent high results. Under the guidance of Ms R Dam and Mr D Comben, up to 85% of class members have achieved Band 6 results compared against a state average of 10%.

Whilst the class is often small in size, the results demonstrate high success for students who study Software Engineering for their HSC. The current Year 12 cohort of a similar class size of eager students are well on their way to attaining another great year of HSC results.

Junior Subjects

Graphics Technology - Architectural and Engineering Drawing

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.

Computing Technology - Mechatronics

This subject gives the students an opportunity to become familiar with the processes involved in the development of software solutions. The students will learn the methodical progression involved in software development and solve problems using a creative approach.

In the second semester, students work in pairs to develop an autonomous rover vehicle for a Mars themed mission. The code is developed in a C based language for the Lego Mindstorms robotics platform. Students are exploring the use of actuators and sensors to complete a range of challenges including the automated detection and recovery of spheres from the lunar surface. Students will present a seminar to their peers to discuss their problem-solving strategies and accomplishments. The subject also addresses the importance of teamwork and communication skills required for software programmers and analysts. The subject also provides a foundation upon which further study in this desired career path maybe undertaken for the HSC.

Computing Technology - Game Development

This subject gives the students an opportunity to become familiar with the processes involved in the development of software solutions. The students will learn the methodical progression involved in software development and solve problems using a creative approach.

In the second semester, students work in pairs to develop a major project game using the Gamemaker Studio program, with learned techniques and problem-solving skills learnt in the first semester through a series of small games and challenges. Students will play each other’s final game to peer evaluate each game for accomplishments and improvements. The subject also addresses the importance of teamwork and communication skills required for software programmers and analysts. The subject also provides a foundation upon which further study in this desired career path maybe undertaken for the HSC.

Design and Technology

This subject is concerned with learning about a broad range of technologies through design and involves practical experiences of designing, making, evaluating, using computers, communicating and managing time & resources. For the purpose of this subject, technology is the know-how and creative process that may assist people to utilise tools, resources and systems to solve problems.

Of the allocated periods per fortnight, students spend a majority of periods in the practical rooms, two periods in the Computer Laboratories and one period in the Technical Drawing rooms.

Due to the facilities available in this school, the main materials we use are Timber and Plastic in the construction of various projects such as a Chess Board Cabinet and bedside table. The non practical component involves the traditional and CAD drawings of the project, spreadsheet costing and management techniques.

Higher School Certificate Subjects

Engineering Studies

Both Preliminary (Year 11) and HSC courses offer students knowledge, understanding and skills in aspects of engineering that include telecommunications, aeronautics, engineering mechanics/hydraulics, engineering materials, engineering electricity/electronics historical/societal influences on engineering practice and the scope of the engineering profession.

Students study engineering by investigating a range of applications and fields of engineering.

The course provides an excellent lead into the study of engineering courses, applied science courses such as architecture, as well as design courses at tertiary level.

Software Engineering

Software Engineering is a new HSC-level course replacing Software Design and Development. This new course enables students to develop a deep knowledge and understanding of software engineering, hardware and software integration, and the development, implementation and evaluation of computer programs. Students undertake project work that utilises the practical technical skills developed through the course and a systematic problem-solving approach to generate creative software solutions. Project work enables students to collaborate on problems and develop skills that are highly valued in the industry.

The subject provides students with a systematic approach to problem-solving, an opportunity to be creative, excellent career prospects and interesting content. Students interested in the fields of software development and computer science will find this subject of great value. The subject is not only for those who seek further study or careers in this field, but also for those who wish to understand the underlying principles of software engineering and development.