Technology - Hangarau
Kaua e rangiruatia te hāpai o te hoe;
E kore tō tātou waka e ū ki uta.
Don’t paddle out of unison;
Our canoe will never reach the shore.
Students
The technology department exists to support a diverse range of students needs through its multiple pathways.
At year 9 students take one technology subject each term and at year 10 students can choose to take one or more technology options (Graphics, Multimaterials, Fabrics or Electronics) either as half or full year courses.
At year 11, 12 and 13 students can undertake studies towards NCEA Graphics, NCEA Technology (both are approved University Entrance subjects) or begin a trade pathway with recognized industry qualifications.
At year 13 students also have access to Scholarship in Technology and Graphics and a number of students have been awarded scholarships in the few years. A significant number of students who complete year 13 Technology go on to study engineering at university and speak highly of its benefit to their future studies.
The teaching staff come from a range of backgrounds and their specialist knowledge in their respective areas is extensive offering students a depth of technology education that is interesting and motivating.
Facilities
The department has 6 specialist technology workshops, 1 computer suite and 2 graphics and design rooms. The workshops are well resourced by the school and offer students access to a wide range of materials and processes with which to carry out their project work
Technology 2011
Technology
Technology at MRGS provides exciting opportunities for students in a number of different subjects including Electronics, Graphics, Food, ICT, Fabrics and Hard Materials.
The department has retained its excellent team of staff in 2011 with the addition of Mr Ravi Sharma teaching Electronics and Graphics.
The department was delighted to have two Scholarships awarded in Graphics, well done Mr Garraway and five Scholarships awarded in Electronics including New Zealand top scholar; this is an amazing achievement from a class of 24 students, well done Mr Collis.
As previously reported Technology education has been undergoing some major changes over the last few years and is one of the essential learning areas in The New Zealand Curriculum (2007) and compulsory for all students in New Zealand schools up to Year 10. This year our big challenge was to introduce the newly aligned Achievement Standards in all our Level 1 programs. Much work was done to ensure students and teachers transitioned seamlessly.
At MRGS Technology continues to be a popular subject choice for many students, enthusiastic conversations about ongoing projects can be overheard by eager students as you wander past classrooms. Every Technology lesson is a hive of activity with electronics, materials, fabrics and design work happening in all rooms.
Junior students are given the opportunity to rotate through 4 areas and can go on to choose from a number of technology options at each year level.
The YR 10 Fabrics full year class has been very busy creating kit bags, Pyjamas and soft toys; they have learnt valuable knowledge about fabrics and increased their skills greatly over the year. Whilst the senior students have made stunning embellished belts and designed and constructed an item of leisure wear with a number of the students making garments for the first time, so well done to them!
Electronics students continue to design, build and program electronic circuits, it has been encouraging to see more girls in the workshops and electronic courses this year.
Approximately 300 YR9 students will have passed through our workshops and Graphics rooms this year, the Graphics students have been busy redesigning the packaging for a chocolate bar whilst learning some fundamental design skills and the materials students have consolidated their learning of essential workshop skills whilst building on their Technological literacy.
The technology Department continues to offer Alternative courses for students wishing to pursue a career in the Building and Construction industry. It offers BCITO (Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation) Unit standards and provides opportunities for students to go off campus and experience the industry first hand. 2012 will see the introduction of :
National certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trade Skills- this is a course spread over years 12 and 13 which will award successful students with a National Certificate.
This year we have got together with the Food and Hospitality department for our Department Professional Learning Circle. We have been unit planning and sharing ideas about giving feedback to students, it has been a valuable forum for professional discussion and growth.
Thanks to all the great team who make Technology such a diverse and vibrant subject at MRGS