Updated information regarding subject content and structure is available below.

Technology mandatory

The technology mandatory Years 7-8 course enables a way of thinking and doing to create quality solutions to everyday problems, opportunities and needs. Students work through a design process to:

• develop and realise ideas
• manage resources and processes
• evaluate technology and design including social and environmental factors.

During the technology (mandatory) course four- eight design projects are created. Design-related content is the basis of a student's progression of learning through the course and must be addressed in each design project. To ensure a breadth of technological experience at least 6 different technologies are used to develop the design projects throughout the course.

The NESA 7-10 technology mandatory page contains the syllabus and support documentation.

Agricultural technology

Agricultural technology is an elective course that enables students to develop an understanding of environmental, social and economic factors affecting the Australian agricultural industry. It focuses on the interactions, development and management of sustainable and marketable plant and animal enterprises.

Practical experiences take up at least 50% of the course - during which sustainable and marketable plant and animal products are produced. Students work collaboratively to make environmentally and socially responsible management decisions that solve problems for their enterprise.

The NESA agricultural technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.

Design and technology

Design and technology is an elective course that develops a student's ability for innovative and creative thought through the planning and development of design projects related to real-life needs and situations.

Students develop and manage design projects through:

• identifying needs and opportunities
• researching and investigating existing solutions
• analysing data and information
• generating, justifying and evaluating ideas
• experimenting with tools, materials and techniques
• reflecting on the impact of their design on society and the environment.

The NESA design and technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.

Food technology

Food technology is an elective course that develops students' knowledge, skills and understanding of the importance of food in ensuring the wellbeing of all Australians.

Students develop a range of food skills and understanding of food properties, processing, preparation, nutrition and consumption. They learn to evaluate food choices in a range of contexts and consider technological, cultural, economic, social and environmental factors.

Food preparation, nutrition and consumption are studied. Students select, prepare and present food that is nutritionally balanced, culturally and socially significant and safe to consume.

The NESA food technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.

Graphics technology

Graphics technology is an elective course that develops an understanding of the significance of graphical communication as a universal language and the techniques and technologies used to convey technical and non-technical ideas and information. Students read, interpret and produce graphical presentations that communicate information using a variety of techniques and media.

Students plan, develop and produce quality graphical presentations. They learn to design, prepare and present graphical presentations using both manual and computer-based drafting technologies.

The NESA graphics technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.

Industrial technology

Industrial technology is an elective course in which students use tools, machines and processes through the planning and production of quality practical projects. This may include study in focus areas of:

• automotive
• building and construction
• electronics
• engineering
• farm maintenance
• metal
• multimedia
• timber

A major emphasis of industrial technology is for active involvement in the planning, development and construction of quality practical projects in order to develop knowledge and skills in the application of work, health and safety (WHS); materials, tools and techniques; design; links to industry; workplace communication as well as societal and environmental impact.

The NESA industrial technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.

Information and software technology

Information and software technology is an elective course that enables students to develop knowledge, understanding, confidence and creativity in analysing, designing, developing and evaluating information and software technology solutions.

Students complete projects focusing on developing solutions to real world problems. The projects integrate practical aspects and topics including:

• internet and website development
• artificial intelligence
• multimedia
• robotics and automated systems
• digital media
• database design
• networking
• software design.

The core essentials of hardware, software and users, as well as social and ethical issues and emerging technologies are integrated throughout projects. Students collaboratively analyse, design, test, document, implement and evaluate software technology-based solutions.

• The NESA information and software technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.
• The Digital technologies hub contains programming ideas and student coding activities which could be incorporated into a software design unit of work.

Textiles technology

Textiles technology is an elective course that enables students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to be creative, explore functional and aesthetic aspects of textiles and produce textile items.

During an investigation of the work of textile designers the historical, cultural and contemporary aspects of design are examined. Students explore the properties and performance of a range of textile items to enable them to justify the selection of textiles materials for specific end uses.

During the textiles technology course textile projects are designed, produced and evaluated from the following areas.

• apparel
• furnishings
• costume
• textile arts
• non-apparel

Projects integrate the three core areas of study: design, properties and performance of textiles, and textiles and society.

The NESA textiles technology page contains the syllabus and support documentation.