Technology

Technology courses within our schools offer students an opportunity to explore, refine and practice trade related skillsets.  We offer both hard and soft technological courses. Health Care, Communications, Design, Construction, Transportation, Manufacturing Technology offer students the opportunity to develop skills in some of the most attractive areas of study and employment in our geographical region. These courses offer the students an opportunity to develop technological skills from Grade 10 through 12.  These areas in conjunction with existing programs in Co Op and OYAP offer students the chance to expand and broaden their experiences in these selected fields of study.  At  some schools we also offer the TIJ 1O1 Exploring Technologies course as an introductory offering for this new and continually expanding field of study. This course is a wonderful transition for all students wishing to expand their base of knowledge in technology in Grade 9 as well as allowing them the opportunity to lay the ground work for all of their future technology courses.

Communications Technology

Communications technology affects all aspects of our lives in a fundamental way. Having an understanding of communications technology is an important part of being both technologically and media literate.

Communications technology courses are project-based and will provide students with opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills required to design, use, and manage electronic, live, recorded, and graphic communications systems, specifically in the areas of TV, video, and movie production; radio and audio production; print and graphic communications; photography; digital imaging; broadcast journalism; and interactive new media and animation. These courses will help students understand the effects of communications technology on the environment and society. Students will also examine standards and regulations governing communications technology, health and safety issues, careers in the field, and the importance of lifelong learning, and will learn about the Essential Skills and work habits that are important for success in careers in the field.

Construction Technology

Construction technology has always played a central role in society. It is a multifaceted industry in which projects can result in products, systems, processes, or services and encompass various aspects of production, repair, and maintenance. In construction technology courses, students will learn about designing, constructing, and maintaining a variety of buildings and structures, and will gain experience with the tools, equipment, and processes commonly used in the field. Students will also learn about health and safety standards in the construction industry, building codes and regulations, and employment opportunities and careers in the various sectors of the industry, including electricity, carpentry, masonry, heating and cooling, and plumbing.

The construction technology courses initially focus on residential and light construction systems related to residential buildings and structures, and progress to more advanced residential and light commercial construction. The woodworking courses allow students to concentrate on furniture building or cabinet making.

Health Care

Health care courses offer students an opportunity to investigate factors contributing to personal health and, at the same time, gain an introduction to a range of careers in the health care industry. These careers include, but are not limited to, child care worker, dental assistant/dentist, gerontologist, laboratory technician/technologist, doctor, nursing assistant/ nurse, pharmacy assistant/pharmacist, and personal support worker. Courses in health care help prepare students for rewarding careers in a sector that is set to expand rapidly as our population ages.

Students will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard instruments, equipment, and materials and practising current techniques. They will learn the professional terminology of the field, acquire transferable problem-solving skills, and expand their communication and interpersonal skills as they interact with their peers and clients in a variety of simulated care scenarios. As they acquire theoretical understanding and practical skills in their areas of interest, students will become better prepared to make informed career choices.

Manufacturing Technology

Manufacturing is the transformation of materials into products to meet human needs and wants. Manufacturing technology courses provide students with opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills in the areas of mechanical engineering, robotics and control systems, computer-aided manufacturing, industrial maintenance, precision machining, welding, and sheet metal.

Students will use a broad range of tools and equipment while acquiring engineering, fabrication, and problem-solving skills through the design and fabrication of various projects. Manufacturing courses will also help students understand the effects of manufacturing technology on the environment and society.

Manufacturing courses are designed for students heading to an apprenticeship, to college or university, or directly to the workplace in their pursuit of careers such as tradesperson,
technician, technologist, engineer, or any of the skilled entry positions.

Technological Design

Technological design courses provide students with a variety of learning experiences that focus on the practical application of the principles of engineering, architecture, and design. These activity-based courses emphasize problem solving to meet design challenges in a wide range of areas, which may include apparel and textile design, architectural design, interior design, mechanical and industrial design, and robotics and control systems.

Students learn to apply knowledge of research, historical trends, design, materials, fabrication methods, and testing criteria to develop innovative and environmentally sustainable products, processes, and/or services. The technologies and processes used to create design solutions may include both traditional and computer-based drafting methods, scale models, working prototypes, animations and simulations, displays, portfolios, and presentations.

Transportation Technology

Transportation affects our lives in a multitude of ways. Transportation systems move raw materials to manufacturers and finished products to consumers locally, nationally, and globally. Individuals use transportation systems every day for business, work, and pleasure.

Transportation technology courses provide students with opportunities to understand transportation systems from the perspective of either the consumer or the service provider. The range of courses enables students to study both vehicle ownership and vehicle maintenance, and to develop skills and prepare for careers in the servicing and repair of vehicles, aircraft, and/or watercraft. In addition, students will develop the Essential Skills and work habits that are important for success in the transportation industry.