Course - Industrial Technology (Timber)

In Year 9, we make a step ladder, a lathe turned mallet, and small timber product designed by the students.

In Year 10, students design and construct a mini major project that is completed over the whole year and a lathe turned segmented bowl. The mini major project allows students to choose what they wish to make (in negotiation with their teacher).

Students are encouraged to consider cost, their own skills, abilities and resources available when determining the degree of difficulty, complexity, size and scope of their major project. The use of a plan is highly recommended.

Yes. The cost of the mini major project in Year 10 is billed to parents/carers. Generally, projects range in cost from $50 - $200 depending on the size, scope and materials selected. All other project materials in Year 9 and 10 are supplied.

Like any subject, there is important theoretical knowledge that is part of the Industrial Technology course. This includes learning about the timber and furnishings industry, along with the foundational knowledge and understanding of timber, and the tools, processes and techniques that underpin quality practice in the workshop. Design, sketching, Computer Aided Design (CAD), project planning, costing and workplace Health and Safety are other key areas of theory covered. This theory is provided in the context of the projects students complete, and ultimately helps students become better woodworkers.

No. There are no pre-requisites for the Year 11 (and thus HSC) Industrial Technology course. However, you will gain valuable skills in Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) that can be built on in the senior years. Students who pick the subject up in Year 11 are at a great disadvantage.

Industrial Technology looks at the design process in the context of one particular technology or medium. In this instance it is Timber. Think of it as learning the craft of furniture design and cabinetmaking – heavily skill based.

Design and Technology focuses on the design process itself, and is not limited to a particular technology or medium. The focus is on identifying a need or problem, and then the application of the design process to solve that need or problem. Projects in Design and Technology are therefor wide ranging in scope, and thus the choice of materials, tools and technologies used is determined by the nature of the project. Think of it as more like product design.

Yes. There is no prerequisite for Industrial Technology so you can switch into it in Year 10 provided class numbers allow it. However, students who pick the subject up in Year 10 are at a great disadvantage. They have missed much of the foundational knowledge and skills from the highly scaffolded projects in Year 9.

Yes! Woodwork is like any skill – it takes time to develop. God cares about our attitudes; not how good we are at something. If you enjoy it – then I say go for it!