Stage 6 Agriculture caters for a wide range of students and ability levels. It offers an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the essential aspects of agriculture from the farm to retail outlets and exports. Students study the connection between production, processing and consumption, and the scientific principles of the processes between inputs and outputs. A study of agriculture improves awareness about how to maximise productivity and environmental sustainability.

Stage 6 Design and Technology is a study of the historical and cultural influences on design and how design, technology, society and the environment are related. It develops understanding and skills in using innovation and structured design processes to solve problems through the completion of projects.

Students explore design concepts and develop skills through a number of design projects in the preliminary course. The HSC course includes the development of a major design project that is externally assessed and contributes 60% to the student's HSC examination mark.

In Stage 6 Engineering Studies students examine a range of applications and different engineering fields. They develop knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• communication
• engineering mechanics and hydraulics
• engineering materials
• historical and societal influences
• engineering electricity and electronics
• the scope of the profession.

Additionally, students learn to create engineering reports, including the use of collaborative processes, in both the Preliminary and HSC years.

Food Technology in Stage 6 is a study of food production, preservation, packaging and preparation. Students investigate a range of factors that affect diet, nutrition and health and develop an understanding of Australian legislation, marketing practices and innovation in food product development.

Practical experiences are incorporated in the food technology course through experimentation and application of the technologies that influence food development and preparation.

Stage 6 Industrial Technology offers an opportunity to study one of the following six industries:

• automotive technologies
• electronics technologies
• graphics technologies
• metal and engineering technologies
• multimedia technologies
• timber products
• furniture technologies.

Students develop knowledge and skills through their industry study. They must design and construct a major project with management portfolio demonstrating their understanding of:

• the industry and related manufacturing technologies
• communication and design principles
• management and production of projects.

Information Processes and Technology in Stage 6 is a study of a range of information-based systems, the processes they perform and the associated information technology. Students develop knowledge and understanding of information systems and develop project management skills through the research and application of a range of information and communication management systems.

Stage 6 Software Design and Development examines software development through a range of approaches. Students develop skills in developing software through practical activities using a design process and considering a range of factors including social and ethical issues.

Students develop skills in identifying software solutions, producing applications that fulfil a need and evaluating and maintaining software.

The Textiles and Design Stage 6 course focuses on the manufacture of fibres, yarns and fabrics and the Australian textile industries. Students develop skills in experimenting, designing, manipulating, colouring textiles and gain knowledge of innovative and emerging textile technologies.

Students explore design and develop skills through design projects in the preliminary course. The HSC course includes the development of a major textiles project that is externally assessed and contributes 50% to the student's HSC examination mark.