Aquaventure
This course provides an interactive, hands-on approach to learning the basics of aquatic life, tropical and saltwater aquarium care, fishing and cookery. Throughout the course, students learn about aquatic environments and the animals that live there and how to care for a variety of aquatic animals ranging from tiny ornamental fish through to commercially cultured species. Species, such as Atlantic salmon, are studied along with the impact of invasive species on the environment. Students breed sea monkeys and ornamental tropical fish and have the opportunity to cook and taste seafood products. The opportunity to explore some of the exciting career and study pathways available in this field will also be covered. A visit to a local seahorse farm and specialty workshops run by visiting guest speakers, showcasing their skill and knowledge (for example shucking oysters, fly tying and food preparation) enhance students’ understanding of course concepts.
Computers & Design
You will learn how to make everything you need to produce your own computer games. You create a convincing hero or heroine to act out your own epic story made by you. They interact with other people or things in the world you create. Young people need tools to make informed and sensible decisions. The use of modern electronic entertainment can impact on the lifestyle and wellbeing of young people. Now we are offering more opportunities to make computer games and get first hand experience in using a variety of creative technologies. These include laser cutting and 3D printing. This pushes the envelope and gives you a glimpse at the very forefront of technology in this ever expanding world.
Computer Science
Computer Science focuses on developing understanding and skills in computational thinking, such as precisely and accurately describing problems and the use of modular approaches to solutions. Students are also engaged with specialised learning in preparation for vocational training or learning in the senior secondary years. They participate in guided projects, class group work activities, and research tasks. In this course, students gain further understandings in: Computer programing (Python and object-oriented programing languages); Game design and project lifecycle; Essential skills in web
design, word processing and presentations; Data analysis; Virtual reality and augmented reality. It is highly recommended that students enrolling in this subject have strong self-discipline, motivation and a passion for exploring areas of computing in-depth.
Creative Textiles
Combining art and textile components. Students learn various sewing skills; explore fashion and how textiles can become a sustainable resource for future generations. Students undertake both individual and group tasks and be given the opportunity to work in a creative, cooperative and safe manner.
Croagh Canteen
Working alongside a qualified chef, you design and cook foods for sale at the Croagh Patrick Canteen. Learning and practising skills for work, you will help design and create a series of menus designed to be sold to students and staff. This class is timetabled so that the canteen can operate every Thursday lunchtime. A roster is created so that students rotate through the lunchtime service shifts.
Food Studies
Continuing the skills you have learnt in Year 8, you cook recipes that provide you with an important blend of life skills and the ability to prepare nutritionally balanced meals for a positive future. This subject also enables you to engage with topical and ethical implications of Western diets. The weekly practical lessons help develop tangible understandings of the impact your dietary choices have on the environment. In this course, you will learn to prepare a wide range of foods with a focus on baking techniques. Students prepare foods for themselves, as well as working to create designed solutions to cater to a range of dietary needs. Preparing foods for others is an important part of this course and will involve learning about allergies and intolerances while preparing foods for a range of occasions.
Garden to Grill
Like being able to learn outside? Enjoy cooking? In this unique food subject you have the opportunity to grow foods in the garden to use in your practical lessons. You learn how to prepare seasonal foods that will be preserved and utilised outside of their growing seasons, including making rubs for meats that we will cook on the BBQ. You have the opportunity to experience and understand the requirements of growing food plants and delve into the ethics of food wastage.
Metal Design
Design in Metal is primarily a practical subject. It is undertaken in the College MDT workshops. Learning about design is an important component of this subject and students look at the benefits of using steel in construction and manufacturing. Sustainability is also taught through investigating steel production methods – where students are encouraged to critically evaluate products and consider issues such as embodied energy and carbon footprints.
Design & Technology
Year 9 Design & Technology (STEM) is the perfect subject for anyone who likes to figure out how something works and how it can be improved. The subject itself focuses on students exploring innovation, design, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). To develop their knowledge and understanding of course content and apply this to a range of practical and engaging design challenges. Students also discover how basic electrical systems and circuits work by creating something useful that can be used at home.
Housing & Design
This subject is for students who are interested in learning about housing design (exterior and interior) and architecture. It can also be useful as a pathway for students who are interested in undertaking Housing and Design Level 3, in Year 11 or 12. The subject aims to develop learners’ knowledge and skills relating to designing and building indoor and outdoor living spaces. Students are taught to consider environmental, aesthetic, functional, social, and technological issues when designing and building in the future. As well as undertaking tasks to learn about ‘good design’, students design and make a scaled model of a house and visit the UTAS School of Architecture.
Wood Design
Design in Wood is primarily a practical subject, ideal for those who love being creative and working with their hands. This subject aims to challenge and extend students’ knowledge in relation to practical woodworking techniques, accuracy, precise measurement, safety and folio writing. Students will also develop a greater appreciation of aesthetics by developing an understanding of the Elements and Principles of Design while applying these to a range of projects. Students also learn about the importance of sustainability to ensure that they become responsible and informed consumers.