Technologies News

Middle School STEAM 

The main thing I have enjoyed about STEAM is the creativity factor. I liked the not usual classroom configuration of you have to do this a certain way instead you got to choose many aspects of the lesson. – Flynn

This year so far, I have enjoyed learning about asteroids and the effects they cause when they hit Earth. I have found it very interesting creating bunkers and learning about what life would become if we all had to live in a bunker for six months. – Kimberley

This term has been full of excitement in STEAM. I especially enjoyed making the futuristic cars out of Lego. Overall, it is a very enjoyable subject. This term I have enjoyed learning about building futuristic cars and having to think outside of the box. Creating a futuristic car allowed me to be creative. STEAM has allowed me to be creative and create scenarios and problems I then must find solutions for. – Maddie

STEAM allows you to do challenging things while still having control over what you are doing. I enjoy being able to solve real world problems while still having a lot of fun and being creative. – Nyomi

Ms Elinor Couper

Digital Technologies

Middle School

This term in Middle School Digital Technologies, students have been exploring a range of topics relating to the way we work, play, communicate and interact in our digital lives. Topics have included learning more about hardware and digital systems, the complex networks that we use each day, computational thinking, and taking ownership of our digital wellbeing and cyber safety when accessing and using technologies. Students have been learning what increased levels of responsibility looks like, how to remain integral, and showing strength and empathy when focusing on their digital wellbeing. 

In Digital Product Design and Innovation students have been using design thinking to develop their own skills in CAD (Computer Aided Design) and 3D printing. We have explored how 3D printing is changing the way products are manufactured, including how this is impacting the future of work and business. Using skills in minor electronics, students are completing a design and build of a 3D printed head torch, completely built using their own design process. Students have enjoyed overcoming their challenges in the prototyping phase and the challenges and successes that 3D printing entails. 

Mr Kyal Rose | Teacher

Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies

In Certificate II in Applied Digital Technologies, our Year Ten students have been finishing off the term focussed on understanding the intricacies of cyber security and how to protect devices from destructive software. 

This week, we worked on our test lab PCs to configure operating system settings, spam filters, and anti-virus platforms to protect from cyber threats. We are also engaged with a simulated phishing attack email and how best we can respond to such an attack. Students also created posters we can display in our IT lab to encourage others to be on the lookout for phishing attacks and data breaches!

Mr Kieran Bailey | Head of IT Services

Wood Technologies 

Middle School

The biggest emphasis in Middle School Wood Technologies is the focus on safety, machinery use, wood techniques and materials (includes solid wood, manufactured boards, and acrylic) and how these can be applied to model construction, whether it be a design task or working from a plan. If students studying this subject can get a solid understanding of these it will set them up very well for the future.

The Year Seven students experienced the basic applications when working in the workshop this term. They constructed two projects, one in wood and one in acrylic, allowing them to appreciate that these two materials require different skills due to their structural makeup. I am pleased that all students worked in a safe manner, and they learnt a range of new skills and techniques in a robust classroom setting.

In Year Eight and Nine, students used what they learnt in Year Seven then built on their knowledge base, such as wood techniques and the use of other machinery untouched previously. There has been a greater emphasis on creating their own designs and mixing different materials within them. Some personal designs included a box construction with lid, phone charging stand, a charcuterie board from rough sawn timber, lathework, and toolbox designs.

Mr Peter Colgate | Teacher

Senior School

The Year Ten students have been hard at work producing multiple projects in Term One. They started with some basic construction joints which they used to produce a finger joint monitor stand. From here they had some practice at a two-way band saw project producing a free form carving bird and some lathe work creating fruit bowls. 

The Year Eleven students are making progress on their first major project for the year. They were required to design and now produce an upholstered footstool. The diversity within the designs has been very pleasing showing the creativity of the students. It will be good to see the finished products and how aesthetically appealing they are.

Mr Brodie Sarre | Teacher

Hospitality

Middle School

Cooking is an important life skill that takes practice.  Sometimes the recipes work and taste delicious.  Sometimes they don’t.  As students discover new ingredients and cooking techniques, they gradually change their mindset about food.  They start to cook more at home, realise it costs less than buying takeaway and/or ready-made meals, and since they take responsibility for the food they cook, are more likely to eat the meals they prepare.  This term Middle School students had opportunities to embrace their interest in food and creativity by meeting the constraints of various design briefs while considering healthy eating models.

Senior School 

Year Ten Hospitality students learnt about different types of vegetarian diets and non-animal protein food sources, then used the design process to develop their own plant based vegetarian lunch.  Sometimes recipes work, and sometimes they don’t – what a great way to learn how the flavours, textures, and properties of food perform.  Students invited some teachers from the Senior School to share the meals they created then helped them complete an analysis of the design process and some good, and not so good, lunches! Our Certificate II Hospitality students in Years Eleven and Twelve completed several units of competency that included role plays, projects, activities, tests, and practical demonstrations.  

Mrs Teresa McAllister | Head of Technologies