Whittlesea Tech School

The first two weeks of Term 4 students from 10H and 10A were given the opportunity to participate in the specialist STEM program through an Inquiry on PAST, PRESENT, POVERTY - LIVABILITY FOR ALL. This area of study was specifically chosen as a complimentary study to the Wellbeing Unit in the Year 10 Humanities Syllabus. This experience aims to equip students with quality skills that industry needs and the knowledge to build careers and create jobs. Students used the Tech School Innovation process to develop real world solutions to take action on issues created through Poverty. 10H and 10A empathized with the problem, drew 2d sketches of a solution, completed a physical and digital prototype and pitched the presentation to an audience. This program has been constructed by Teacher Ambassador, Ms Siriyani and the Tech school Staff. The first phase of this process was delivered at Lalor Secondary College by teacher’s Mr Azzopardi, Mr Leos and Ms Petrovska helping the students learn and explore the concept of hostile and inclusive designs and architecture in relation to Poverty and Livability. In the Second Phase the students proposed the solutions to design/re-design elements of local space which is human centered, inclusive and supportive to a vulnerable population group. The designs considered a range of factors; material, production process, cost safety and sustainability /environment. The Final Phase of the Tech School Innovation process saw the students pitch the ideas to their peers, give and receive feedback, review and reflect on their Journey. This Inquiry Program also culminates with an Exhibition Showcase which will take place in early December. The students with the Highly Innovative Solutions will be offered the opportunity to attend the event and pitch their idea to a panel of community and Industry partners. They will get valuable feedback and may be invited to develop their invention further and turn their design in to a business through the entrepreneurial Student Incubator Program.