Overview
Technologies develop the capacity for action to create innovative solutions that improve the lives of people and societies globally, using traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies, to meet current and future needs. Technology aids students to be confident and responsible when individually and collaboratively creating solutions, by making informed and ethical decisions when investigating, designing, planning, managing and evaluating for a sustainable economy, environment and society.
The Australian Technologies curriculum is split into Digital Technologies and Design and Technologies. Design and Technology is further broken down at Western Cape College into Industrial Technology and Design (Years 7–8), Textiles and Food Studies (Years 7–8), Furnishings (Years 9–10), Engineering (Year 9), Design (Years 9–10), Food and Textiles (Years 9–10) and Introduction to Automotive (Year 10).
Junior Secondary Subjects (Years 7–10)
Digital Technologies
Digital Technologies focuses on developing students' computational thinking skills, including problem-solving, decomposition, and prototyping, while expanding their understanding of information systems in local and global contexts. Students create digital solutions such as apps, simulations, and multimedia projects, and learn to plan and manage individual and team-based projects with increasing independence.
Industrial Design and Technologies
Industrial Design and Technologies focuses on designing and making products that solve real-world problems in sustainable ways. Students consider social, ethical, environmental, and economic factors while developing and communicating ideas through 2D and 3D representations. Using a design process of investigation, ideation, production, and evaluation, they create solutions using practical skills, materials, and technologies. In Year 9, students can specialise in engineering or furnishings pathways to support senior study.
Food and Textiles
Food and Textiles Technologies focuses on the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities, supporting students to develop independence and make informed choices for healthy and sustainable living. The subject draws on areas such as nutrition, textiles, fashion, human development, and relationships to help students understand growth and wellbeing.
Furnishings
Furnishings focuses on designing and producing functional furnishing products that solve real-world problems for individuals and communities. Students develop sustainable solutions while considering social, ethical, environmental, and economic factors. Through hands-on learning with materials and technologies, students build practical skills and creativity to design and manufacture innovative solutions.
Design
Design focuses on the processes and thinking used to create practical, innovative solutions to real-world problems. Students learn to identify needs and opportunities, generate ideas, and develop user-centred designs. Through hands-on, project-based learning, they use sketching, modelling, prototyping, and digital technologies to communicate and refine their ideas. Students also explore a range of design fields, including product, built environment, industrial, graphic, and digital design.
Introduction to Automotive
This course provides students with foundational knowledge of the automotive industry and prepares them for Certificate II studies in Years 11 and 12. Students gain hands-on experience in a workshop environment, completing real-world automotive tasks such as working on small engines, servicing vehicles, and learning essential industry practices. A strong focus is placed on workshop safety, correct procedures, and developing a solid understanding of automotive terminology, tools, and components.
Senior Secondary Subjects (Years 11–12)
Hospitality Practices
Hospitality Practices explores the hospitality industry, focusing on food and beverage service and production. Students develop practical skills and knowledge about how the industry operates, while learning about career opportunities and transferable skills across different hospitality sectors.
Agricultural Practices
Agricultural Practices gives students hands-on experience in agriculture through practical projects and investigations. They develop skills in analysing information, using scientific knowledge, and applying safe workplace practices to real-world agricultural settings. The subject also builds understanding of agricultural careers, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in authentic contexts.
Industrial Technology Skills
Industrial Technology Skills focuses on hands-on learning in trade industries such as building, engineering, and furnishing. Students develop practical skills in production processes and industry practices to create products that meet quality, cost, and time expectations. The subject supports pathways into manufacturing and related industries and future training or employment.