Background
A student working on his project
Tauranga Boys' College is a Decile 5 school with a 2006 roll of 1650 students. Technology is a core subject at Year 9. In addition, students may choose Graphics, Food Technology or industry trades as options for one term.
Technology is a compulsory option subject in Year 10 when students can select from Electro-Technology, Food, Information and Materials Technologies. Student numbers fluctuate at this level, which Steve says can make it frustrating when the department is trying to plan ahead. In 2005 the Year 10 Materials Technology numbers nearly doubled, going from five to eight classes, but in 2006 was back to five. Graphics went from four to seven classes in 2006.
Year 11 students can opt to take Product Technology, Graphics and a more 'hands on' industry focused course such as Engineering– or Wood-related trades, as well as Food and Nutrition, Home Economics and Hospitality.
Most of the Year 12/13 Product Technology students will have come through the Year 11 programme. The Year 11, 12 and 13 courses are all full year, five hours a week, allowing sufficient time to complete major projects.
Head of Department Steve Ronowicz trained as a teacher after 14 years as an automotive engineer. He taught at Feilding Agricultural High School for 13 years before moving to Tauranga in 1999 to take up his current position.
