Courses

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

Aquatic Technology 200-hour elective
Aquatic Technology 100-hour elective
Aquatic Technology Life Skills 200-hour elective
Aquatic Technology Life Skills 100-hour elective.

Focus of learning

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.

What students learn

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.

Course requirements

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 must make up the majority of the course and 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 to engage in practical experiences or project work.

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

Safety and risk management

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

100-hour and 200-hour elective course requirements

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 elective course requirements

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 elective course requirements

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)

Life Skills – 100-hour and 200-hour elective courses

For Aquatic Technology Life Skills:

Students are required to demonstrate achievement of one or more Aquatic Technology 7–10 Life Skills 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 7–10 Life Skills 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 to engage in practical experiences.
Collaborative activities provide opportunities for students to develop communication and interpersonal skills. Where appropriate, students should have the opportunity to collaborate on tasks. Some students may require explicit teaching of collaboration skills.

Course enrolment details

Welcome to the NSW Curriculum website

7–10Aquatic Technology 7–10 Syllabus (2024)

Teaching and learning support