Technology for Years 7&8: A Student's Workbook (2025 Edition for 2023 Syllabus)

This 2025 edition has been updated for the 7-8 Technology (2023) NSW Syllabus to be implemented from 2026.

The purpose of this Workbook is to equip teachers and students with practical and theoretical knowledge related to the technologies outlined in the new syllabus' four prescribed Focus Areas. This resource allows teachers to develop design projects that are educational, engaging, and enjoyable for students. This approach aligns with the successful educational systems in countries like Finland, where minimising administrative tasks gives teachers more time to support students and create effective lessons and projects. This philosophy can be compared to the airline practice of putting on your oxygen mask first to be able to help others during an emergency.

Introduction to focus areas: Students are initially introduced to the Focus Area and to the negotiated practical design project developed by the teacher. If the design project is, say, predominately metal based, students undertake the metal practical experience provided in this book after receiving instruction on workshop safety procedures and then completing the corresponding safety test provided in the book. These tests should be signed, dated, and either digitally or physically filed by the teacher as proof of completed safety instruction. The safety tests are concise yet thorough, ensuring they are not a burdensome introduction for students to the new Focus Area. Digital and hand written responses are encouraged - the latter for exam writing skills and completing forms throughout life.

Practical and theoretical work: Students complete the relavent practical experience/s in the workshop or design area and the introduction to graphics section, which then equipts them with introductory knowledge and skills to better undertake the design and manufacture of the design project. The theoretical content related to the project is covered by working through the relevant sections in this Workbook, as directed by the teacher, when in a classroom with internet access. A lesson register for each syllabus requirement is provided for each of the 4 focus areas. Lessons can be presented using the Teachers Interactive Lesson Digital Presentation of relevant Workbook pages which is available from KJS Publications.

Design projects and folios: The Workbook includes structured scaffolds for both engineering reports and design folios. These can be completed progressively, either by hand or digitally, allowing students to track their progress throughout the course of the design project.

Formative and summative tasks: Formative tasks are provided for each syllabus heading to reinforce learning during lessons and assisting in determining student grades using the Common Grade Scale. These tasks provide progressive feedback and can be marked individually by the teacher or by students as the teacher explains the answers. Summative tasks are provided at the end of each focus area.