_____________ Technology _____________ Hangarau

Technology Education is offered in four areas at John Paul II High School: 

  • Materials Technology, 
  • Food Technology, 
  • Computing
  • Design and Visual Communication. 

While the subject content varies between Technology areas, the practice used is very similar with a focus on producing quality outcomes that are derived from issues that are of interest to our students and relate to their local environment. As well as skill development and producing quality outcomes, students are also taught to self-manage, solve problems, work collaboratively and individually, and manage resources effectively and efficiently. 

What is technology about? 

Technology is intervention by design. It uses intellectual and practical resources to create technological outcomes, which expand human possibilities by addressing needs and realising opportunities. 

Design is characterised by innovation and adaptation and is at the heart of technological practice. It is informed by critical and creative thinking and specific design processes. Technology makes enterprising use of knowledge, skills and practices for exploration and communication, some specific to areas within technology and some from other disciplines. 

Why study technology? 

With its focus on design thinking, technology education supports students to be innovative, reflective, and critical in designing new models, products, software, systems and tools to benefit people while taking account of their impact on cultural, ethical, environmental and economic conditions. The aim is for students to develop broad technological knowledge, practices and dispositions that will equip them to participate in society as informed citizens and provide a platform for technology-related careers. 

Students learn that technology is the result of human activity by exploring stories and experiences from their heritage, from Aotearoa New Zealand’s rich cultural environment, and from contemporary examples of technology. 

As they learn in technology, students draw on and further develop the key competencies. nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz