Welcome to the Technology Department!

The Technological Studies Department at PHS offers 23 courses in 6 disciplines: Construction, Communications, Computers, Design, Transportation, and Manufacturing. Our courses aim to provide students with a range of skills and experiences that fit students’ abilities, interests, and destinations. Some examples of this could be a student might take communications to improve their skills in creating dynamic presentations and reports to support their academics.  A student bound for Engineering can gain important problem-solving, design, or technical skills to support their post-secondary destination. The students wishing to work with their hands and explore trades can focus on building advanced skills in Manufacturing, Construction, and Transportation. Our grade nine and ten courses offer a broad range of skills applicable to the technological world we live in whether it is programming a smart home or building a shed. Most students will eventually own a passenger vehicle, knowing how to maintain and perform simple repairs will come in handy in their immediate future.

Courses and curriculum documents

TIJ1OI Exploring Technologies (auto, woodworking, metal emphasis)

TEJ1OI Exploring Technologies (computer engineering emphasis)

TCJ2OI, TCJ3EI*, TCJ4EI*  Construction Technology (wood)

TMJ2OI, TMJ3EI, TMJ4EI Manufacturing Technology (metal)

TTJ2OI, TTJ3CI**, TTJ4CI** Automotive Technology

TTJ4EI Vehicle Maintenance

Please read the course descriptions under Technological Education.

Gr. 9 & 10 Technological Education curriculum document

Gr 11 & 12 Technological Education curriculum document

What is OYAP?

Department Staff

Mr. Brubacher   paul_brubacher@wrdsb.ca  Department Head

Mr. MacMaster   david_macmaster@wrdsb.ca

Ms. Simonetto  nicole_simonetto@wrdsb.ca

Mr. Quosai  Michael_quosai@wrdsb.ca      Link to Mr. Quosai‘s website.

Mr. Erle  jesse_erle@wrdsb.ca

Extra opportunities in Tech!

Students in Technological Studies have a number of opportunities for extracurricular involvement both formally and informally.  Formally students have the opportunity to be involved in Skills Competitions in Welding, Manufacturing, and Transportation or the Preston EV (Electric Vehicle) Club. Informally students in many Tech areas use their skills in support of many school activities for example making signs for an open house, sets for the school play, designing and fabricating benches for the halls or around the school.  Creating videos and photo slideshows for assemblies and sac(Student Activities Club).  Technological skills allow students to contribute to school life demonstrating their skills and passions across various curricular activities.

Student FAQs

Q: Can I take both Grade 9 Technological Studies courses?

A: Absolutely! TIJ focuses on hands-on technology and TEJ focuses on computer-based technology. Taking both will give you an excellent insight into all the technical courses offered at PHS.

Q: I didn’t take a Technology course in grade 9, is it too late to start in grade 10? 

A: No, never! You are able to take a technology course at any time during your high school career.  Many courses have an array of grade 10, grade 11, and grade 12 students who want an introductory course to see if they like a particular technology.

Q: Can I take more than one Technology course in a school year? 

A:  Yes, more than one elective technology course may be selected within the same school year in grades 10, 11, & 12. 

Parent FAQs

Q: Why should my child take a Technology course?

A: Technology surrounds us in all parts of our lives, technological studies courses will provide many insights into the workings of the world we live in. An understanding of technology is as important to understanding the world around us as geography or the environment.  Students participating in Technological Studies programs learn to develop lifelong learning habits that will help them adapt to technological advances in the changing workplace and world. Technological Education will make connections that will help students take advantage of potential postsecondary educational and work opportunities. They will develop the skills, including critical thinking skills, and the knowledge of strategies required to do research, conduct inquiries, and communicate findings accurately, ethically, and effectively. Students will achieve the level of technological competence they will need in order to succeed in their post-secondary education or training programs or in the workplace.

Q: Does my child need to take a Technology class to get an apprenticeship? 

A: No, however taking technology courses allows students to make good and informed choices of apprenticeships that are best for them and in many cases improve their opportunity of finding an apprenticeship right out of high school. Many students couple Technology classes with Cooperative Educational experiences and find apprenticeships upon graduation.

Q: Are there any University level technology classes?

A: Yes, there are several University career pathways available offered at the M College/University level such as: Communications Technology, Technological Design, and Computer Engineering. These courses may not be listed as a specific course prerequisite, but each of these courses can be used in qualifying averages.  Communication Technology courses provide opportunities for students to build portfolios required for programs. Technological Design and Computer Engineering provide CAD Design, programming, and problem-solving experience required in most engineering programs. Knowing how to use tools and equipment safely and correctly, learned in our Manufacturing Programs, is considered a valuable asset and is also something that University Engineering Programs consider in first-year qualifying applications.