TECHtalk T1 2016 by NSW Department of Education

Term 1, 2016

TECHtalk

We l c o m e t o t h e TA S / Te c h n o l o g i e s e-N ew sl ett er The TECHTalk e-Newsletter is designed to support teachers of all TAS/Technology subjects Years 7—12.

Inside this issue Stage 3 STEM Engaging Boys in Textile projects SHAPE 2015 News about BOSTES Updated Anaphylaxis resource Annual TAS safety checklist TAS Leadership Network Agriculture and Food week Opportunities

3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-14

Term 1, 2016 Term 1 has kicked off and has already been a very busy term with many events and opportunities occurring from DoE perspective, we have lots of STEM initiatives and conferences being planned and developed. Keep watching SchoolBiz for these opportunities Term 2. This issue of TECHTalk includes an article about engaging boys in textile technology projects in Stage 4. This has come from Ann Smith who is a teacher at Bega High School and is also a mentor in the TAS Leadership Network. I would like to thank her for her article as I am sure we can all benefit from sharing our experiences and success stories. I would like to make these articles a regular feature in the newsletter so please get in touch if you would like to share your story. STEM is still big in the news and seems to be taking over my life! Keep an eye out for announcements and opportunities to get involved. I have included an article about the Stage 3 STEM project that was started last week at a two day conference in Sydney. The changes in K-6 technology education will start to have an impact on Stage 4 soon so we really need to be getting a good understanding of what our primary colleagues are doing. Enjoy the remainder of Term 1. I will hopefully see you at one of the events, meetings or conferences this year. Dan Rytmeister TAS Advisor, Years 7-12

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Stage 3 STEM Twenty schools/CoS attended the recent Stage 3 STEM Conference as the launch of a project, providing participants with the opportunity to evaluate teaching and learning practice in their schools. The desired impact was improved student learning through innovative practice utilising the pedagogies in the mathematics and science and technology syllabuses. Students will have the opportunity to be engaged in authentic, contextual learning experiences based on projectbased and inquiry-based learning situations.

Why does this matter to high schools? As K-6 schools adopt the new curriculum, we will see students coming into our year 7 classes with more STEM skills. This could include skills in creating and using ICTs, coding and well-developed problemsolving skills using a range of other technologies. You will need to adjust your teaching programs to accommodate the needs and skill development of the students yet to engage in Technology Mandatory. In addition to this you may have opportunities to share your expertise in technology education and school resources with your partner primary schools. This will build the relationship between the primary and secondary teachers and schools and result in better learning outcomes for all students.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Engaging boys in Textiles at Bega High School By Ann Smith. Ann Smith is an experienced Technological and Applied Studies Teacher at Bega High School who has generously shared her experience in engaging boys in textiles units in Stage 4. Designing and creating using textiles technologies within Stage 4 Technology need not be a subject that disengages boys. Establishing a gender neutral visual classroom space and offering projects in class that appeal to both male and female studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine motor abilities and interests, should see all students engaging in the project and seeing it through to completion with pride in their work. This in turn leads to a positive and flourishing whole class learning environment. I use three projects; machine sewn boxer shorts, cushion covers and hand-felted cases. The individual design ideas students have for the embellishment of these products allows for personalisation. When embellishing, students start taking ownership of their creations. The materials, tools and techniques used are the key to keeping boys motivated, calm, centred and engaged in the activity. For those who struggle with keeping their focus and patience with the sewing machine, the embellishment phase of colouring and applying decoration can be a welcome relief.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Felted case project: This is a very hands-on, tactile activity which is a winner with the boys. After attending a felting workshop delivered through the TEANSW, I was inspired to try this project. In Bega we are able to take a field trip to source wool tops from the local farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market, where students can select their own colours and textures. The process of then manipulating the wool fibres into a non-woven felt fabric requires a lot of soapy and rigorous kneading, rolling and throwing down, finished with needle punching for embellishment to further personalise the product. Students enjoy designing the individual shape and choice of fastener for their case. Cushion cover project: Students tie dye, dip dye, marble or salt resist dye their fabric, choosing a colour scheme to compliment the room in which the cushion will be displayed. Before machine sewing, students draw a picture of their interest e.g. sports, their nickname etc. onto plain calico applique fabric. They then spend time fabric painting their image and then outline with dimensional fabric paint pens (alternatively, they can take a photo and print this onto fabric using an inkjet printer). This picture then gets cut out and appliqued onto cushion cover pieces using adhesive applique paper. To finish off students hand embroider around applique border with a blanket stitch using embroidery thread and needle. Boxer shorts project: Students choose from an array of coloured fabrics. Once pattern pieces are cut out they can swap and mix pieces with other students of the same size. Before machine sewing, students can screen print their own drawn design onto the pattern pieces using fabric paint. Screen printing uses skills in designing the stencil, cutting out and working with paint.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

SHAPE 2015 This year the Design Tech exhibition of Design and Technology has been changed and renamed. It includes exemplary student works from Design and Technology, Textiles and Design and Industrial Technology. The exhibition is on at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse Museum) from 27 February to 8 May. Information is on the MAAS website. A visit to the exhibition is worthwhile for any teachers and students of these subjects. Seminars are available but book out quickly. Both Texstyle and InTech exhibitions will continue to be held in alternative venues. See the BOSTES website for times and locations.

Mitchell Burk—Killarney Heights HS

Cara Shirley—Dorrigo HS Susie Soyun Boo — Cheltenham Girls HS

Tiarney Douglass—Coolah CS

Sophie Lindsay—Elderslie HS © State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Eloise Elton—Asquith Girls HS

Congratulations to the students and their teachers for the high quality projects on display. The full list of projects is available on the MAAS website.

New Technology Inspector at BOSTES I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Mark Tyler as the new Technologies Inspector at BOSTES. Mark replaces Peter Thompson who has recently retired. I look forward to working with Mark as we move Technology Education forward.

BOSTES Work Samples BOSTES has published the requirements for retaining work samples for Stage 5 and Preliminary courses. This will impact on the following TAS subjects: Stage 5 Preliminary Food Technology Industrial Technology Industrial Technnology Information Processes and Technology Go to the BOSTES website for official notices and more information.

Australian Curriculum update I have had a number of enquiries about the Australian Curriculum and what we should be doing regarding its implementation. The short answer is do nothing but teach the existing BOSTES syllabus. Under the Education Act In NSW we must teach to a NSW developed syllabus and, although the Australian Curriculum was endorsed on 18 September 2015, we must wait until BOSTES release this new syllabus before we can implement it. If BOSTES makes the decision to review the existing syllabus, it will follow the full process of syllabus development as detailed in the Syllabus development handbook.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

Updated anaphylaxis resource Food Preparation and sharing – A student resource Annual face to face anaphylaxis training is now mandatory in all schools and generally TAS faculties have been very compliant with the new policies regarding the use of nuts and nut products in school activities. While we can control what teachers use in class and in extracurricular activities, we cannot necessarily control what food students bring to school. An online resource designed to educate students about the risks of anaphylaxis was developed in 2012. The Department of Education updated this resource to include: 



removal of flash content and conversion to html 5 to ensure compatibility with current devices and browsers including IOS systems. restoration of broken links. Teachers use the Anaphylaxis - Food Preparation and sharing resource with classes to help students understand anaphylaxis, learn how to identify symptoms of an attack and learn what to do if one of their friends has a reaction. It is particularly useful in food preparation areas and schools where there are known anaphylactic students. I highly recommend the use of this resource with your students.

Equipment and chemical safety checklist for kitchens, workshops and agriculture Term One is a good time to check your rooms to ensure everything is how it should be. Here is a checklist to make sure everything is up to date.  

 

          

Check ESIS to make sure signage on equipment is current. Add a one year expiry date on each sign so you know when to review the information. Have you had any accidents or close calls? Ensure any adjustments to procedures are shared in your faculty and that these changes are reflected in your safety tests. Check all safety tests are current and that you know which pieces of equipment require a written test. Archive old safety tests in student personal record files. Safety tests must be kept for seven years or until the student turns 25, whichever is greater. (See 9.5.1 in the Functional Disposal Authority document) Check machines have all guards and interlocks in place and working. Check the equipment borrowing book is being used. Has everything been returned? Is appropriate PPE available? Is it in good condition? Are rooms tidy, exits clear and fire extinguishers operational? Are chemicals stored securely, containers labelled and suitable for the product? Check that food containers are not used for chemicals. Are all MSDSs updated and accessible in the event of an emergency? Check tractor maintenance logs are maintained and services are up to date. Check trailers are roadworthy (lights, wheel bearings … ) Note any maintenance issues so you don’t forget them when cyclic maintenance occurs. Engrave all portable power tools, record serial numbers and keep a photo on record. This will make it easier for you or police to identify if necessary.

If you find a piece of equipment that you are not sure about call either TAS Advisor (9266 8514) or Asset Management (9561 1269) for advice.

TAS Leadership Network

EO O PE I N

Do you need some advice or support with your teaching? The TAS Leadership Network is a group of experienced teachers advising and mentoring other DoE TAS teachers statewide. If you are a teacher and would like some advice or mentoring, please complete the EOI and you will be linked with one of our TAS leaders. The TAS leaders have undergone an induction and ongoing training to ensure they provide advice that is consistent with DoE policies. They have experience in the full range of TAS subjects including Agriculture, Textiles, Food, Industrial Technology, Engineering, Design and Technology, Graphics and Computing subjects. When you complete the EOI you will be asked which subjects you are teaching and the areas of support you are seeking. You will then be matched up to the most appropriate leader for support.

How to apply:  discuss with your supervisor and

principal  complete the EOI online.

Teacher EOI https://goo.gl/IYodZI

Other opportunities for participants: In Semester 2 there will be online master classes in particular subjects. These will be open to all teachers in the TAS Leadership Network.

Agriculture and Food Week

Agriculture and Food Week is a recommendation of the Review into Agricultural Education and Training in NSW. The aim of Agriculture and Food Week is to celebrate and appreciate the roles agriculture and food make to the health, wealth and wellbeing of society. The site has been designed to stimulate teaching and learning ideas that can support teachers and engage students to develop an interest in the origins of food. Embedding these ideas into integrated learning activities may provide opportunities for practical and authentic life-long learning for students. Both the primary and secondary sections contain drop down menus for each of the learning areas. Teachers are encouraged to make comment about the existing stimulus ideas and contribute their own ideas. It is envisaged that this site will further develop to become a comprehensive collection of teaching and learning strategies and resources over time.

http://www.learning.schools.nsw.edu.au/foodagweek/

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016

We would love you to join us on our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/technologies.curriculum

TAS/Technologies curriculum contact: Dan Rytmeister TAS Advisor Learning and Teaching NSW Department of Education Level 3, 1 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, 2010, NSW T: (02) 9266 8514

dan.rytmeister@det.nsw.edu.au If you would like to be added to our TAS/Technology communication network please send me your details. If you do not want to receive future communications please remove me from communication network If you have feedback or suggestions for professional development or future articles please send me an email.

The non-DoE products and events listed in this e-Newsletter are to be used at the readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discretion. The inclusion of product and event information is not an endorsement by the Department.

ÂŠ State of New South Wales, Department of Education 2016