Technological and applied studies (TAS)

One of our senior Construction students wearing a safety mask and using the drill press machine.

Welcome to the TAS Faculty

At Hornsby High School, our Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) faculty offers students a wide range of engaging, practical and creative learning opportunities. Our Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) faculty opens doors to a world where imagination meets innovation. Students not only learn about technology – they create it, shape it, and use it to solve real problems that matter.

From the moment students step into our workshops and kitchens, they become designers, and problem-solvers and makers. Whether they're coding their first app, crafting furniture from sustainable timber, creating innovative textiles, or developing the next breakthrough recipe in food technology, our students discover that their ideas have the power to change the world.

Every student begins with Technology 7–8 – a hands-on foundation that sparks curiosity across food systems, engineering, materials, and digital technologies. From there, students are able to make informed choices about the areas of study they wish to pursue as electives in Stage 5 and 6. The possibilities are endless.

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Faculty vision and strengths

Our TAS faculty is built on the foundation that learning by doing creates lasting understanding. We prepare students for an increasingly technological world by combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital innovation.

Students have access to state of the art resources in our new facilities including 3 newly refurbished, world class woodwork rooms, a new commercial kitchen (Opening Term 2 2026) and new Textiles Technology room.

prototype, and refine solutions to authentic problems
Sustainability is our practice and responsibility – every project considers environmental impact and resource responsibility
Comprehensive safety culture ensuring students develop professional work practices from day one.

Students leave our subjects with confidence in their ability to tackle complex challenges, whether pursuing university study, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce directly.

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Some things you’ll learn:

As students progress through the school, they can choose from an exciting range of TAS subjects including Food Technology, Design and Technology, Textiles, Timber, Engineering, and Computing Technology. Across all courses, students develop valuable skills for life and future careers, with a strong focus on creativity, innovation, problem-solving, sustainability and safe work practices.

Students learn:

Digital fluency across programming, data analysis, and emerging technologies
Professional communication through design portfolios and project presentations
Collaborative teamwork reflecting modern workplace practices
Cultural awareness incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems

Our programs provide pathways into further study and industries across design, engineering, and technology.

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Subjects

In Stage 4, students study Technology 7–8
At Hornsby High, all students complete 200 hours of Technology across Years 7 and 8. The course is hands-on and project-based, giving students the opportunity to design, create and evaluate solutions to real-world problems.

Students explore four key areas:

Food and Agricultural practices – developing practical food skills and exploring sustainable farming and nutrition practices.
Engineering technologies and systems – applying principles of force, motion and energy to create working models and prototypes.
Materials and production processes – working with textiles, timber and plastics to design and produce creative, sustainable products.
Digital and communication technologies – building digital literacy through coding, data use, design, and safe online practices.

Through these experiences, students build creativity, problem-solving and collaboration skills while learning to use technologies safely and responsibly. The program also highlights sustainability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, and pathways to future studies in design, engineering, science and related field