Stage 6 - Information & Digital Technology (VET)


Course Overview

The course is divided into two main areas: Theory and Practical. Students are required to complete practical tasks for the double period and single periods are utilised for the theory components of the course for the HSC examination. All practical tasks are completed in a computer lab and regular attendance is critical. This course is primarily aimed at preparing students for TAFE IT courses or employment in the industry. The subject can count towards an ATAR.

Course Content

This 240–hour course is practically oriented towards the Information Technology industry with theory work incorporated. Students are required to complete compulsory units and IT industry stream units that are set by the Board of Studies and complete a number of elective units. Core topics covered include:

  • Participate in WHS communication and consultative processes.
  • Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices.
  • Work and communicate effectively in an IT environment.
  • Run standard diagnostic tests.
  • Install and optimise operating system software.
  • Create user documentation.

Stream options available are:

Web and Software Applications*

  • Operate application software packages.
  • Build a simple website using commercial packages.
  • Use advanced features of computer applications. 

Digital Animation*

  • Create 2D animations.
  • Review and apply the principles of animation. 

Networking and Hardware*

  • Connect internal hardware components.
  • Provide ICT advice to clients.
  • Install, configure and secure a small office or home office network. 

*Note: These may change.

Students are required to complete two one-week blocks of work placement (Year 11 – 35 hours and Year 12 – 35 hours) in the relevant area of industry chosen. Work placement is a mandatory requirement by the Board of Studies.

Assessment

Information & Digital Technology is a VET (Vocational Education & Training) subject that allows for dual accreditation (industry & HSC). Students are required to complete ‘competency tasks’ to demonstrate their abilities as ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent’ in each of the units. On achieving competency in all units and completion of work placement, the student will achieve a Statement of Attainment towards Certificate III in Information, Digital Media & Technology (ICT30118). An internal assessment process is also undertaken for students focusing on an ATAR pathway.

Students that exit the course at the end of the preliminary year can achieve a ‘Statement of Attainment’ that reflects the units achieved at that point.

HSC Examination

  • 2 hour exam (Theory) - Information & Digital Technology is a Category B HSC subject and only one Category B subject may count as credit towards the ATAR. There is an optional HSC examination for IDT.

Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills

Apart from the completion of Year 10, there are no prerequisites for this course, although students who have undertaken the Year 9/10 Information and Software Technology course are ideally prepared for Information & Digital Technology. Students should be comfortable with using a computer. As the course is primarily project based, students should be comfortable working on self-directed and long term tasks.


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