Burnside High School Burnside High School

12 Gateway Electronics

12GTE
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs R. Knights.

Recommended Prior Learning

Any student will have the opportunity to enter this course (regardless of their current knowledge or skill sets), as the course will teach and assess those skills.


The Electronics Gateway course provides an essential foundation for students interested in pursuing a career or further studies in the field of electronics. This comprehensive vocational course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, theories, and practical skills required to understand, design and work with electronic devices and systems.

Throughout the course, students will delve into various aspects of electronics, including circuit analysis, electronic components and test and measurement. They will gain hands-on experience in constructing and troubleshooting basic electronic circuits utilising industry-standard tools and equipment. The course emphasises a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application to develop well-rounded skills.

Key topics covered in the Electronics Gateway course include:

  1. Introduction to Electronics: An overview of the history, importance, and applications of electronics in various fields. Students will explore the basic principles of electricity and electronic circuits.
  2. Circuit Analysis: Understanding circuit components, Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and basic circuit analysis techniques. Students will learn how to calculate voltage, current, and power in electrical circuits.
  3. Electronic Components: Comprehensive study of commonly used electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Students will learn their properties, functions, and how to use them in circuit design.
  4. Practical Skills: Hands-on laboratory sessions will provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, develop soldering skills, construct circuits on breadboards, making printed circuit boards and use measuring instruments such as oscilloscopes and multimeters. They will learn to troubleshoot common circuit problems and perform basic repairs.

By the end of the Electronics Gateway course, students will have a solid foundation in electronics and be equipped with essential skills to continue their studies. This course serves as a stepping stone for more advanced studies in fields such as electrical engineering, telecommunications, robotics, or electronic design. Whether students aspire to pursue a technical career or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the electronics that surround us, this course provides a strong starting point. 

Included in this course will be a maximum of 4 full-day training sessions that includes industry visits to local Engineering companies.

The students have access to a separate dedicated Electronics Lab

Students have access to Laser cutters, 3D Printers, Vacuum Formers and CNC machining.


Learning Areas:

Technology


Pathway

NCEA Level 3 Digital Technologies - Computer and Electrical Engineering

This course provide the fundamental skills for anyone interest in the theoretical and practical part of electronics. This course leads onto Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Electronics technicians and various other vocational pathways.

Career Pathways

Aeronautical Engineer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Product Assembler, Electronics Engineer, Automotive Electrician, Biomedical Technician, Electrical Engineer, Information Technology Helpdesk/Support Technician, Electronics Trades Worker, Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Information Technology Architect, Test Analyst


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Project costs are estimated at $50. Extra cost will be covered by Gateway.