7–10Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus

The Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus includes 4 elective courses:

• Aquatic Technology 7–10 200 hours
• Aquatic Technology 7–10 100 hours
• Aquatic Technology Life Skills 7–10 200 hours
• Aquatic Technology Life Skills 7–10 100 hours.

The focus of learning for all courses in the Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus is described below.

The Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus enables students to develop knowledge, understanding, and skills to explore the application of technologies and processes in aquatic contexts. Students investigate marine and freshwater systems and their significance to global ecosystems. They engage in practical experiences and project work that enhances their understanding of aquatic ecosystems and how technology can support the conservation and protection of those systems. Students develop skills in project management, collaboration and communication to support their future learning.

Students develop knowledge and understanding about the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems, including Practices used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. They are provided with opportunities to engage with marine and freshwater environments, both individually and collaboratively, and learn how human activity interacts with these ecosystems. Students investigate how the application of technology can contribute to the monitoring and protection of aquatic environments and promote sustainability.

Students learn and apply safe practices when working in aquatic environments. Students explore innovative and sustainable practices in aquatic technology, and investigate the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors on aquatic environments. Students propose solutions to current challenges, the limitations and the consequences of human interaction with marine and freshwater systems.

Through diverse, real-world learning experiences students engage with traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies that have the potential to transform local and global aquatic systems. Students learn to recognise career opportunities through an exploration of current and emerging aquatic technologies and global practices.

Schools may choose to offer and/or deliver 7–10 elective courses which may be studied in any year.

Elective courses in Years 9 and 10 contribute towards the RoSA.

Practical experiences and project work

To satisfy the requirements of the syllabus, students undertake a range of practical experiences and project work. These experiences should be used to develop the skills of designing, investigating, using technology and communicating.

Practical experiences should be designed to be accessible to all students. Practical experiences may include:

• fieldwork
• laboratory work
• design and production projects
• maintenance activities
• aquatic plant and animal investigation activities
• models and simulations
• food preparation and production
• field trips to commercial aquaculture and other production and supply chain settings.

The Aquatic engagement project focus area option provides students with the opportunity to investigate, report, communicate and implement their own ideas or skills in a field of aquatic engagement. The project is an opportunity for students to apply the skills they have acquired to solve a defined problem in the context of aquatic engagement.

Students with disability may require adjustments and/or additional support to engage in practical experiences and project work.

Sites, including virtual sites, and amenities should be accessible for all students.

Safety, risk management and animal welfare

Schools are required to ensure they follow safety and risk management, including the welfare of animals, in delivering the Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus.

Biosecurity

Schools have a legal responsibility in relation to plant and animal biosecurity. The production of plants and animals, including all practical activities involving plants and animals, must comply with relevant guidelines and legislation that are interpreted for schools on the Animals in Schools – Biosecurity website (NSW Department of Education 2023).

Aquatic Technology 7–10 may be studied as a 100-hour or a 200-hour course. The content available for Stage 4 is identical to Stage 5. When teaching the course in Stage 4, the Stage 5 outcomes may be adjusted as appropriate to the needs of students in Years 7 and 8. Advice is provided to support teachers.

100-hour course

Students are required to undertake:

• at least ONE core focus area
• at least ONE focus area from the other focus area group
• at least 2 projects
• at least ONE collaborative activity.

200-hour course

Students are required to undertake:

• 2 core focus areas
• at least ONE additional focus area from Aquatic life and environments focus area group
• at least ONE additional focus area from Aquatic engagement focus area group
• at least 4 projects
• at least ONE collaborative activity.

Aquatic life and environments focus area group

• Aquatic environments and conservation (core)
• Aquatic biology (option)
• Aquatic ecology (option)
• Investigating aquatic ecosystems (option)
• Local area study (option)

Aquatic engagement focus area group

• Aquatic food and products (core)
• Aquatic activities (option)
• Aquatic industries (option)
• Aquatic harvesting (option)
• Aquatic engagement project (option)

For Aquatic Technology Life Skills 7–10:

• Students are required to demonstrate achievement of one or more Aquatic Technology Life Skills 7–10 outcomes.
• Outcomes and content should be selected to meet the particular needs of individual students.
• The focus areas provide possible frameworks for addressing the Aquatic Technology Life Skills 7–10 outcomes and content and are suggestions only. Teachers have the flexibility to select, group and sequence outcomes and content to meet the needs, strengths, goals, interests and prior learning of their students.
• Where appropriate, students should have the opportunity to engage in practical learning or project work. Some students with disability may require adjustments and/or additional support in order to engage in practical experiences.