Technology - South Otago High School

It is the aim of the Technology Department to provide a range of challenging opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to become lifelong learners and become confident, creative, connected and actively involved members of the community. As the need for employees with ready to use skills grows, so the challenge to prepare our young people to meet those challenges becomes more important.

To achieve this, practical and intellectual skills are taught to allow students to develop products and systems (technological outcomes) that expand human possibilities by addressing needs and realising opportunities. The range of subjects, within the Technology Department, endeavours to provide students with the options that will best suit them and the programmes are flexible enough to be tailored to meet individual needs.

 

The main focus in the Junior School is to teach the principles, values, and skills of inquiry that underpin the areas of Design and Technology. The assessment of both written and practical outcomes at years 9 and 10 is measured against the Achievement Objectives contained in the Revised Curriculum. The practical programmes at this level consist of approximately a 30% time allowance for the written components and the balance is given over to the making of the product or system that has been designed by the student.

 

Computing is an eight week module at Year 9 and a popular option at Year 10.

• Are familiar with the use and management of the school computers
• Develop and enhance the use of the keyboard (text entry)
• Develop skills in the word processing programme (information management)
• Have an awareness of computer programmes including: drawing programs, spreadsheets and graphs, Email using school computer, internet research (information management)
• Identify and apply ergonomic principles while in the TIM classroom

• Enhance their use of keyboard skills and ergonomic principles.
• Develop their word processing skills.
• Cover computer drawing & animation, spreadsheeting, internet research, powerpoint creation, database creation and use, and, basic web design.
• Organise and manage files, storage and manipulation of data

The Senior Programmes focus more on the need for students to gain credits towards the various NCEA levels of achievement. A range of both Achievement Standards and Unit Standards are offered to meet student needs. The programmes at this level aim to prepare the students for further study in a chosen area, and to develop practical skills that can be used in the workforce. Opportunities are created for students, in the senior classes, to attend and experience polytechnic courses and work experience. On leaving school a successful student can expect to be considering the following career options.

• Chef
• Computing Service Manager
• Electrical Engineering Technician
• Engineer
• Computer Systems Engineer
• Industrial Designer
• Carver
• Electrician
• Line Mechanic
• Industrial Spray Painter
• Broadcast Technician
• Teacher
• Clothing Designer