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Information Technology 
At Santa Maria College all Year 7 students study Information
Technology for the whole year. In their first lesson they
are introduced to logging on to the college computer network
using their own unique username and password, and saving their work
in their own secure folder on the file server. They also learn how
to use the student portal as well as their college email
account.
The computer facilities at Santa Maria are first-class. There are
three dedicated computer rooms (each of which has 30 computers),
another specialised room for Media (30-plus computers), and
numerous computer ‘hubs’ of around 12 computers placed in various
locations throughout the college. With the injection of funds for
school computers announced in the last federal budget, Santa Maria
will soon have a computer to student ratio approaching one-to-one.
All staff members have laptop computers which they use with
electronic whiteboards and data projectors in their teaching across
the curriculum.
In Year 7, students learn skills in advanced word processing, Flash
animation, advanced PowerPoint, Excel, and much more. In Year 8,
students use the computer facilities across the campus in all of
their subjects.
In Years 9 and 10, students can select IT as a semester elective.
Topics covered in Years 9 and 10 include web design and production,
animation and desktop publishing. In VCE, students can select
Information Technology Units 1 and 2, and Information Technology
Applications Units 3 and 4. They can also study VET Certificate II
in IT as part of our membership of the Northern VET Cluster.
Food Technology 
Food technology is studied for a Semester in Year 8 and then
offered as an elective through to Year 12. VCE students with an
interest in the more practical side of hospitality, can choose VET
Certificate II and III in Hospitality Food. Santa Maria has
fantastic Food Technology facilities and the girls hone their
skills by setting up a restaurant in the dining room.
There are many extra-curricular opportunities to become involved
in Food Technology. Our espresso machine, with our optional coffee
making course helps young future 'barristas' from Santa obtain part
time work in their local community. Santa Maria recently staged a
Brunch Cook Off (where each of our house teams competed for the
title of the most amazing breakfast). This was judged by
professionals chefs from William Angliss and involved students from
all levels.
Design & Technology
Design and Technology (previously known as Textiles) is also
studied for a semester in Year 8 and then offered as an elective
through to VCE. Girls learn the fundamentals of design from early
on, often using design software in classes. This coupled with
practical sewing skills culminates in many girls designing and
sewing their own formal dresses, and ultimately in a number of
girls gaining success in the world of fashion. |