The Design and Technology and Vocational Education Department provides students with a range of learning experiences relating to the subject areas of:
- Industrial Technology and Design
- Food & Fibre Technology
- Vocation Education and Training (VET)
The department coordinates the delivery of Vocational Education offerings across the school. While all subject departments at Pioneer are responsible for delivering relevant Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications to students, the Vocational Education Department oversees the quality assurance of all VET courses and leads the development of additional VET offerings and pathways. The department also coordinates school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, industry placement and work experience and monitors the progress of vocational students.
Industrial Technology and Design
The Industrial Technology and Design subject area combines theoretical understandings with practical applications related to industrial systems and control, graphical communication and product design and manufacture. Students are given the opportunity to focus on the design and manufacture of products.
Students create products that meet human needs and wants, and capitalise on opportunities using contemporary materials, tools, equipment, processes and techniques that are specific to industrial technology and design. Students identify potential hazards and risks in workshop and industrial environments and demonstrate safe practices in their own work environment. Industrial Technology and Design students work independently and collaboratively in activities that require them to meet constraints such as time, cost and availability of resources.
Through Industrial Technology and Design education, students develop an understanding and appreciation of their built environment. They understand how information, materials and systems can be combined in innovative ways in response to real-world situations.
Food & Fibre Technology
The central focus of Food & Fibre Technology education is about becoming independent, connecting with other people and creating preferred futures for the well-being of individuals and families.
Through Food and Fibre subjects, students become empowered, active and informed members of society. Food and Fibre Technology has the potential to play a major role in supporting young people to participate effectively in changing social, cultural and economic times.
Our main focus is meeting needs through informed choices and practices related to the content areas of families and community services, consumerism, management, food and nutrition, human development and relationships, living environments and textiles. These content areas are studied by combining theoretical understandings with practical applications.
Career opportunities are available in community and education agencies such as health, families, housing and community services as well as in industries related to design, fashion, food and textiles. What is learnt at school is readily transferred to students' personal, family, community and work roles.
Design and Technology subjects have something to offer students of all interests and abilities. Subject offerings within the department include:
Junior secondary curriculum
Year 7 and 8 – Material Specialisations (1 semester)
Areas of study: woodwork, metalwork, plastics and graphics
Year 7 and 8 – Food and Fibre Specialisations (1 semester)
Areas of study: basic skills for living, especially relating to foods and textiles - all students produce a machine sewn article and a variety of food items.
Years 9-10 - Industrial technology and design
Students undertake more specialised studies in woodwork, metalwork or graphics including
- Material Specialisation
- Design and Technology
Years 9-10 - Food Specialisation
Year 9 and 10 Food Specialisation offer a variety of units mainly comprising of content related to food and nutrition.
Senior secondary curriculum
Design and Technology subjects in the Years 11 and 12 include:
- Design (General subject)
- Industrial Graphics Skills (Applied subject)
- Building and Construction Skills (Applied subject)
- Industrial Technology Skills (Applied subject)
- Furnishing Skills (Applied subject)
- Engineering Skills (Applied subject)
- SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality in Partnership with CTA RTO 31607 (VET Subject)
The Design and Technology and Vocational Education Departments prepares students for the future through:- A broader understanding of modern technology
- Development of problem solving skills
- Development of original and innovative ideas
- Graphical communication skills
- A solid foundation for careers in industry and trades
- Satisfaction from working with their hands
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Experience in planning and design
- Practical knowledge