The mission of the Technology faculty is to offer meaningful and productive learning experiences to prepare students to function as technologists in a variety of technical specialties. The department values the integration of academic knowledge with hands-on technical skills, which is achieved by emphasizing the application technological principles in relation to problem solving. Technology education at James Ruse Agricultural High School responds to the recognition that students need logical, creative, problem solving abilities, as well as an ability to manipulate tools and machines to be able to take their appropriate position in tertiary education and a changing social structure.
		The Technology curriculum is based around the following principles: Applying technological knowledge and processes to real world experiences using up-to-date resources Open-ended, problem-based design activities Designing, developing, and utilizing technological systems Cognitive, manipulative, and affective learning strategies Working individually as well as in a team to solve problems

Courses for Stages 4 and 5 (Years 7 to 10)
Design & Technology - Students focus on the study of technology through design, the course provides opportunities for them to develop an understanding of a range of technologies, their applications and impact on the quality of life.  Design projects are selected from the following prescribed contexts:

• Agriculture
• The built environment
• Clothing and accessories
• Engineering systems
• Food
• Health and welfare
• Information communications
• Leisure and lifestyle
• Manufacturing
• Transport and distribution

Computer technology is to be integrated into at least 50 hours of the course.  Each design project must use the design process and develop the following skills:

• Designing 
• Making 
• Evaluating 
• Communicating
• Marketing 
• Managing

Technical Drawing
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop computer-based drawing skills, knowledge and attitudes that can be applied to specific applications. The course is organised into three compulsory lobesplus the choice of optional modules and content includes:

• Computer aided drafting techniques
• Drawing standards
• Architectural drawing
• Product drawing
• Mechanical engineering drawing

Courses for Stage 6
Engineering Studies
This course allows students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in aspects of engineering. The areas of learning are identified in modules, including the scope of the profession, historical and societal influences, engineering mechanics and hydraulics, engineering materials, engineering electricity and electronics and communication.  In the Preliminary Course, there are three application modules (household appliances, landscape products and braking systems), one focus module related to the field of bio-engineering and an elective module. In the HSC Course, there are three applications modules (civil structures, personal and public transport and lifting devices) plus two focus modules (aeronautical engineering and telecommunications engineering).

Industrial Technology
Industrial Technology has been developed to incorporate content related to current and developing technologies. It offers students the opportunity to study the interrelationships of technologies, equipment and materials used in the multimedia industry and to develop skills through the processes of design, planning and production. The Industrial Technology course study has a multimedia focus and seeks to raise students' awareness of the interaction between technology, industry, society and the environment, and to develop their ability to make value judgements about issues, decisions and problems arising from this interaction. Students achieve this by applying practical experiences to the study of multimedia. 

The Preliminary course consists of project work and an industry study that provides a broad range of skills and knowledge related to multimedia industrial processes and practices.  The HSC course consists of the development of a major project and industry study. The major project is the principal means of examining the outcomes of the course and accounts for 60%of the final assessment.  It is externally marked by the Board of Studies.  Students participate in hands-on practical activities in both courses, which are organised around the following sections:

• Industry study
• Design and management
• Workplace communication
• Industry-specific content and production

Information Processes & Technology
IPT is the study of computer-based information systems covering the processes of collecting, organising, analysing, storing and retrieving, processing, transmitting and receiving and displaying, as well as the technologies that support them.  Through project work, students will create their own information system to meet an identified need.  The Preliminary Course includes:

• Introduction to information skills and systems
• Tools for information processes
• Planning, design and implementation
• Personal and group systems and projects

The HSC Course includes:

• Projects
• Information systems and databases
• Communication systems
• Option strands of which students select two

Software Design and Development
The focus of this course is the development of computer-based solutions that require the design of computer software. It is not only designed for those who seek further study or careers in this field but also for those who wish to understand the fundamental principles of software design and development. The Preliminary and HSC courses are underpinned by social and ethical issues projects which form a foundation for the study of the course strands.  The Preliminary Course includes:

• Concepts and issues in the design and development of software
• Introduction to software development
• Developing software solutions

The HSC Course includes:

• Development and impact of software solutions
• Software development cycle
• Developing a solution package for which students choose one of two options (Evolution of programming language or the software developer's view of the hardware)

Students are to spend a minimum of 20% of the Preliminary Course time on practical activities using the computer. In the HSC course, 25% of the time is to be spent on practical activities using the computer.