INDUSTRIAL ARTS

Scope

The Industrial Arts Department at The King's School offers a variety of experience to boys, both within the timetable and outside it. Traditional areas of Wood and Metal Technology continue to be offered, together with Design and Technology, Graphics Technology and Robotics. The facilities available for work in the Industrial Arts field are exceptional, and equal to any in the nation. All boys have something to gain from the subjects which are offered.

In senior years boys study Industrial Technology, Design and Technology and Engineering Studies for their Higher School Certificate.

What is good about Industrial Arts?

Much in education involves routine procedures for solving problems and rote learning of facts, figures or rules. When tasks are practical, processes must be understood before success is possible. Concepts unique to Industrial Arts are those concerned with the measurement datum, accurate measurements, priorities in measurements, sizing and the behaviour of materials when worked. Familiarity with a large range of hand and power tools is also developed. Design has for a long time been an integral part of Industrial Arts subjects, and today this emphasis is increased and broadened to include the environmental and social aspects of design.

Our recently introduced Robotics course has proved immensely successful and allows students to learn about electro-mechanical systems, sensors, input of data, the purpose of micro controllers and creation of control programs.

Clubs

A wide variety of extra-curricula clubs is available within Industrial Arts, all of which provide new challenges. The emphasis in all clubs is on self-reliance and the development of decision making capacity. Clubs operate for two hours per week after school and on Friday nights. They cover such areas as woodwork, metalwork, electronics, and leatherwork. In addition the Industrial Arts computer graphics and design facility is available outside normal classroom hours. In 2005 it is planned to enter a vehicle in the Technology Challenge event held in Maryborough Victoria.

Industrial Arts Subjects :

Engineering Studies

This is a Higher School Certificate subject highly recommended for students with Engineering or similar applied career in mind. Both Preliminary and HSC courses offer students knowledge, understanding and skills in aspects of engineering that include communication, engineering mechanics/hydraulics, engineering materials, historical/societal influences, engineering electricity/electronics, and the scope of the profession. Students study engineering by investigating a range of applications and fields of engineering.

Design and Technology

Students study design processes, design theory and factors in relation to design projects. In the Preliminary course, students study designing and producing, which includes the completion of at least two design projects.

In the HSC course, students undertake a study of innovation and emerging technologies, which includes a case study of an innovation. They also study designing and producing, which includes the completion of a Major Design Project.

Industrial Technology

Industrial Technology Stage 6 consists of project work and an Industry Study that develop a broad range of skills and knowledge related to the industry focus area chosen, and an introduction to industrial processes and practices.

The Focus Areas currently offered at The King's School include Metals and Engineering Industries and Timber Products and Furniture Industries. During the Preliminary Course and HSC courses the following sections are taught in relation to the relevant focus area: Industry Study, Occupational Health and Safety, Design and Management, Workplace Communication and Industry-specific Content and Production. Students undertake a major project as part of their HSC course.