When people think about 'technology', they mostly think about computers and, in particular, the growing use of the internet in classrooms and daily life. We recognise that it is important for our students to be able to use computers to access and present information and communicate their ideas to others. At the same time, we share the concerns of many parents about inappropriate computer use. Our school has clear rules governing internet, email and chatroom access, including a student 'Internet Licence' which sets out the conditions for access to the school computers and is signed by each student, their parents and their classroom teacher.

Our school has a 1:4 student/computer ratio, with each student from Prep to Grade 6 having a personal account for storing their work in a 'digital portfolio'. Even very young students enjoy using the classroom computers to publish and print their work to show their parents! In the early years of primary school, computer activities are also regularly included in literacy and maths rotations. These activities might include a word/sound matching game or a maths activity using KidPix to create symmetrical pictures. In later years, students learn to use common software packages for word processing, spreadsheets, graphs and databases, and begin to use the internet to research topics being studied in class. They also learn how to design simple websites, create PowerPoint presentations, make animated movies and capture images from our computer microscopes. Older students are also able to use the school's digital and movie cameras, webcams, scanners and sound recording equipment to create multi-media presentations of their work.

Our Technology program also covers Design Technology.  This is a hands-on program, where students investigate, create and evaluate new products. Popular recent investigations include designing and testing paper planes and wind-powered land vehicles, and designing and making musical instruments.  Students love the creative challenge of these tasks! As well as being lots of fun, the program helps students to develop their problem solving, lateral thinking and critical evaluation skills, and leads to their understanding of the connections between design, creativity, technology and innovation.