Technology aims to meet needs and opportunities by developing knowledge, skills, creativity, innovation and initiative. Specifically, technology focuses on knowledge and ‘know how’. It encourages lateral and divergent thinking, teamwork and management of resources. Technology seeks to empower students to make informed choices.

At Coastal Taranaki School, technology is divided into four main areas:

• Materials Technology
• Food and Fabric Technolog
• Information Technology
• Graphics

In years 7, 8 and 9, all students experience a variety of technological areas including materials, information technology, and foods. At year 10, students continue with their chosen and also have the opportunity to take a graphics course.

Materials Technology
Materials technology includes both hard and soft materials. Hard and soft materials are taught to students in years 7 to 10. Students taking soft Materials experience a number of basic sewing skills and complete a technology project.

Senior students in years 11 to 13 taking hard materials have a choice in projects which will be facilitated with unit and achievement standards. In the senior levels of technology, students have the oppourtunity to progress into tertiary studies or practical applications such as apprenticeships.

Food Technology
Students in years 7 to 10 have the opportunity take food technology, where they are provided the opportunity to develop practical skills in food preparation where healthy eating is explored. Our foods room is available for students across the school to use, and is often used by teachers from the junior school for small group activities. Students in years 11 and 12 have the choice to be involved in the hospitality course, which is unit standards-based, developing core skills in the hospitality industry.

Information Technology
Information technology is integrated throughout our school in all learning areas. We have a modern, fully-equipped computer lab and all junior classrooms contain computers. Staff and students throughout the school have access to our portable computer labs.

Students in years 7 to 10 have to option of taking information technology, which covers a wide range of topics including desktop publishing, spreadsheets, web design and using the internet. Skills developed in these classes support students’ learning in other curriculum areas.

Graphics
Our graphics programme challenges students to work independently and successfully. Graphics at all levels provides students with the practical experience of working in groups, sharing responsibility and critical decision-making.