Year 7 Systems Technology

At the end of Semester 2, Year 7 Systems Technology students explored simple machines and responded to a client design brief by creating children’s toys in the form of thematic automata, or moving mechanical toys.

Students followed the design process by investigating, generating ideas, planning and producing their final designs. They experimented with cams, levers, followers and linkages to create movement, while also considering how their toy would appeal to a young audience.

Through this project, students developed their understanding of movement, mechanisms and construction, and applied their problem-solving skills in small groups to produce a functional and engaging final product.

To celebrate their efforts, we are pleased to showcase their final designs.

Year 8 VCD | Bevel Lettering Task

Year 8 VCD students have kicked off the semester by exploring bevel lettering, learning how designers create the illusion of depth using line, shape and colour.

This task helped students develop precision, technical drawing skills and attention to detail while experimenting with colour to create striking folio cover designs.

A fantastic start to the semester; I’m excited to see their skills and confidence continue to grow as we begin our Doodle for Google design challenge!

🏡 Year 10 VCD | Australian Escapes: Tiny Holiday Home Challenge 🏡

Year 10 Visual Communication Design students have begun their first SAT, Australian Escapes, where they have been commissioned to design a unique Tiny Holiday Home for one of Australia's most iconic natural environments. Acting as designers, students will create a self-contained holiday retreat that celebrates its location by responding thoughtfully to the surrounding climate, landscape, and natural features, while providing a memorable Airbnb experience.

Throughout the project, students will research inspiring architecture, develop creative concepts, and produce floor plans, elevations and presentation drawings using industry-standard drawing conventions. They will also communicate and present their final design solution through a scale model, showcasing how their ideas respond to the design brief while balancing creativity, functionality, and innovative design thinking.

We can't wait to see their unique Australian escapes Tiny Homes come to life!

🎨Senior Art Exhibition 2026 🎨

We're thrilled to announce that preparations are officially underway for the 28th Annual Senior Art Exhibition! This much-loved Strathmore Secondary College tradition celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of our Year 10, 11 and 12 students.

This year's exhibition will once again be held at Neon Parlour, Thornbury, from Wednesday 26 August to Sunday 30 August, with our special Celebration Night taking place on Friday 28 August (6pm – 8pm).

The Senior Art Exhibition gives students the exciting opportunity to display their work in a professional gallery, share their creative voice with the wider community, and experience what it's like to exhibit as a practising artist. Whether it's painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking or mixed media, every artwork tells a unique story.

Students can submit up to three artworks and are encouraged to start thinking now about which pieces best represent their artistic journey. Along the way, they'll also gain valuable experience in curating, presenting and promoting their work (skills that extend far beyond the classroom).

This exhibition is always a highlight of the school year, showcasing the passion and imagination of our young artists. We cannot wait to fill the gallery with creativity once again and celebrate the amazing talent within our school community. We hope to see lots of students getting involved and even more families, friends and staff joining us to celebrate their achievements!

Want to get involved?

Join the Senior Art Exhibition Google Classroom (Code: udv6j25l) or chat with one of the Visual Arts teachers and start thinking about the artworks you would love to exhibit.

We can't wait to see what our incredible young artists create this year. 🎨✨

The Visual Arts Team

Why Study Arts & Technologies in 2027?

As subject selection approaches, it's an exciting time for students and families to explore the opportunities ahead. Choosing subjects is about more than selecting classes for next year; It's an opportunity to discover interests, build on strengths and develop the knowledge, skills and experiences that will support students well beyond school.

As technology continues to evolve and Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes part of everyday life, many families are asking an important question:

What skills will help young people succeed in the future?

While technology is changing the way we learn and work, one thing remains clear: students need to be creative thinkers, confident communicators, adaptable problem-solvers and collaborative learners. These are the capabilities that enable young people not only to use technology, but to shape the world around them.

Whether students are creating an artwork, designing a product, developing a visual identity, writing code, solving a food challenge or building a prototype, they are doing far more than learning technical skills. They are learning to investigate ideas, think critically, communicate effectively, embrace feedback and refine their work. Most importantly, they learn that success rarely comes on the first attempt…it grows through curiosity, persistence and continuous improvement.

Arts & Technologies provides authentic, hands-on learning where students apply these capabilities to real-world challenges and creative opportunities.

At Strathmore Secondary College, our Arts & Technologies programs provide students with opportunities to:

develop creativity, confidence and resilience
solve authentic, real-world problems
communicate ideas visually, verbally and digitally
collaborate with others while becoming independent learners
think critically and make informed decisions
use emerging technologies thoughtfully, ethically and creatively.

Perhaps most importantly, these subjects help students discover what they enjoy. They encourage students to explore new ideas, take creative risks and experience the satisfaction of turning ideas into meaningful outcomes.

From Year 7 through to VCE, Arts & Technologies offers diverse pathways that allow students to pursue their passions while developing transferable skills for life beyond school. Whether students aspire to become architects, engineers, designers, artists, chefs, programmers or entrepreneurs, or simply want to become confident, creative problem-solvers; Arts & Technologies provides the foundation to help them thrive.

As families begin discussing subject selections, we encourage you to explore the many opportunities available within Arts & Technologies. Talk with your child about what excites them, what they enjoy creating, and where their strengths lie. The best subject choices are often those that spark curiosity, build confidence and foster a lifelong love of learning.

In a world where technology can now provide answers, Arts & Technologies empowers students to ask better questions, think creatively, solve meaningful problems and shape the future.

Maisey Gasper Representing Team Victoria