Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)

Technological and applied studies (TAS) is mandatory for all students in Year 7 and 8. Students can also select from a range of elective TAS subjects.

In TAS, students develop knowledge, understanding and skills through a design and production process using a range of tools, materials and techniques in theory and practical lessons.

The continuum of technology learning is:

Years 7 and 8

In 2026, Year 7 students complete 2 X 20  week rotations and Year 8 students complete 4 x 10-week units of work. Each unit of work is designed to give students an understanding of the design process and an understanding of the need for innovative thinking and effective communication skills and the production of quality solutions.

Students study the following context areas:

Years 9 and 10

Davidson High School offers the following subjects in Years 9 and 10:

Food Technology

Students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the properties, processing and preparation of food, as well as study nutrition, consumption patterns, the importance of hygiene and how to apply safe working practices in the production of food.

Years 9 and 10

The Australian food industry is growing in importance, providing numerous employment opportunities and increasing the relevance of food technology as an area of study. Our aim is to make the students aware of advances being made in this industry and become skilled in making wise food choices.

The student's practical skills are developed throughout the course to support them if they continue to study hospitality or food technology in Years 11 and 12. At Davidson High School, we have two kitchens which are both well equipped with commercial equipment.

Students engage in a range of practical and experimental work, including preparing food for food photography, food styling, developing new food products and analysing the nutritional composition of foods, such as meal replacement bars and electrolyte drinks. This is a 200-hour course.

Topics include:

Industrial Technology

Davidson High School currently offers the following Industrial Technology focus areas;

Industrial Technology - Metal

Industrial technology-metal is focused on the properties, tools, and processes used with metals and associated industries, emphasising design, production, and safety. It involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on skills in areas like machining, fabrication, and welding. The course prepares students for careers in engineering, manufacturing, and various trades through project-based work and the study of modern industrial technologies.

Year 9 Projects

Year 10 Projects

Each project is accompanied by theoretical content in the form of either presentations, portfolios and general physical and online bookwork.

Industrial Technology - Multimedia

Multimedia students learn by the production of quality projects.

In Year 9 the students are introduced to many areas of the multimedia industry including:

Students will also study the basic workings of a computer and related technology to the multimedia industry.

In Year 10 the students are required to produce two separate projects in different facets of the industry. They are required to develop the projects, showing all the planning and development phases of the project by the compiling of a portfolio.

The course is taught in a dedicated classroom that has high-end PCs running Windows 11 64-bit with software packages including Adobe Creative Cloud and Blender for an introduction to 3D modelling.

Year 11 and 12

Davidson High School offers the following subjects in Years 11 and 12:

Food Technology

Students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the properties, processing and preparation of food, as well as study nutrition, consumption patterns, the importance of hygiene and how to apply safe working practices in the production of food.

Years 11 and 12

In Year 11 and 12, students will examine factors that influence availability and consumption patterns, investigate the preparation and safe handling of food and the functional properties of food to produce a quality product.

Production and processing practices in the Australian context are examined and their impact evaluated. Opportunities exist for students to develop skills relating to food that are relevant and transferable to other settings.

Students also develop their capability and competence to experiment with and prepare food and design, implement and evaluate solutions to a range of food situations.

Topics include:

Year 11

Year 12

Textiles and Design

Students are encouraged to develop their skills in designing and producing innovative fashion items, as well as experiment with fibres and fabrics and learn clothing construction using commercial patterns. Students are given the opportunity to manipulate and modify patterns to reflect their creativity.

Davidson High School has two well equipped textile rooms which cater for this increasingly popular subject. Our rooms feature modern sewing machines, overlockers and computerised embroidery machines.

The following skills are developed during this two year course:

This course investigates textiles in society and promotes a greater understanding of the significance of different cultures and their specific use of textile materials. During the preliminary course students develop practical skills in the construction of a corset, embroidery creative piece and satin or silk Pyjamas using challenging fabric.  They will also investigate the science and technology of textiles through a study of properties and performance.

The creative design process is examined to incorporate both functionality and aesthetics. The course offers students the opportunity to explore advances in technology, current issues facing the industry and employment opportunities.

At the end of Year 12 students will develop a major textiles project which will give them an understanding of the processes of project work undertaken in industry, from planning to completion.

Year 11

Year 12

Project work

Project work is an important component of textiles technology. For each unit of work students will complete a textiles item and document the design process. Students may present their documentation in the format of their choice, including a digital portfolio, design portfolio, diary, journal or workbook.

Industrial Technology

Davidson High School currently offers the following Industrial Technology focus areas;

The study of Industrial Technology provides students with opportunities to engage in a diverse range of creative and practical experiences using a variety of technologies widely available in industrial and domestic settings.

Students may select only one of these focus areas to study for their HSC subjects.

Metal and Engineering Technologies

Industrial Technology Metal and Engineering is a practical, hands-on subject that teaches students skills and knowledge for the metal and engineering industries, including design, manufacturing, and construction. Students learn to use tools, machinery, and techniques like welding and metal machining, culminating in a large-scale "Major Project" that they design and build, often accompanied by a portfolio of work. The curriculum focuses on applying theoretical knowledge to practical tasks, developing project management skills, and understanding industry practices, and is suitable for students interested in careers in engineering, fabrication, and mechanics.

Year 11 Projects

Toolbox (Sheetmetal)

Tack Hammer (Turning, Milling, Threading)

Fire Pit (Plasma Cutting, Grinding, Welding/Fabrication)

Year 12

Major Project and Portfolio.

Timber Products and Furniture Technologies

Industrial technology is a subject where students are presented with an opportunity to design and develop real projects that display the student's abilities in designing, planning, constructing and evaluating.

Davidson High School students are provided with large, organised wood working workshops equipped with a diverse range of essential wood working tools and machinery to satisfy student needs when constructing their projects.

The Year 11 course is divided into specific units that are intended to prepare all students for the planning, implementation and documentation of their chosen HSC (Higher School Certificate) major work. Students also develop an understanding of the timber industry and related technologies as well as with the tools and tool handling techniques and applications required during the production phases of the course.

A significant part of the Year 12 HSC course is focused on the designing, planning, production, documentation and construction of the major work. We are also committed to developing student skills and knowledge of the course content in preparation for the HSC examination.

Multimedia Technologies

Multimedia students learn by the production of quality projects.

In Year 9 the students are introduced to many areas of the multimedia industry including:

Students will also study the basic workings of a computer and related technology to the multimedia industry.

In Year 10 the students are required to produce two separate projects in different facets of the industry. They are required to develop the projects, showing all the planning and development phases of the project by the compiling of a portfolio.

The course is taught in a dedicated classroom that has high-end PCs running Windows 11 64-bit with software packages including Adobe Creative Cloud and Blender for an introduction to 3D modelling.