It has been a busy and productive start to the term across our Stage 6 Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) subjects. Our Year 11 and 12 students have been balancing heavy theory components with demanding practical workloads, developing real-world skills that extend well beyond the classroom walls. We recently checked in with our students to take a look at the exciting projects and learning experiences they have been involved in this term.

Stage 6 Agriculture - Hands-On Science experience

Miss Noske’s Year 11 Agriculture class has been busy with fieldwork, livestock management and experimental trials at the College Agriculture plot. A major highlight is their student-led undersowing crop trial in the iFarm.

Students Ashley Thomas and Tyler Nulty are measuring how varying lucerne percentages affect wheat growth, Tyler noting that running their independent crop trial makes the coursework highly engaging. The class has also been developing practical primary production skills, with Orion Hall and Ashley mastering soil pH and ribbon testing techniques, while Cody Cotterill has been researching animal digestive systems.

Daily farm management continues to be a team effort, with students working together to collect eggs, feed chickens and care for Gus the cow, helping to build both practical skills and strong teamwork within the class.

Design and Technology - From Concepts to Prototypes

In the Design and Technology learning space, the focus this year has been on independent project management, hands-on production and realistic problem-solving.

Year 11 students in Mr Fahey's class have transitioned from theory to physical prototypes, exploring a range of practical design and manufacturing processes. Xavier Nixon and Hayden Kennedy have been experimenting with material recycling, using the new plastic shredder and heat press to transform HDPE plastic into reusable sheets for fabrication.

Time management and technical machinery operation have also been key focus areas, with Jackson Bright developing his skills on the wood lathe to create support pillars for his hat stand project, while Harrison Crowe has been working with the school’s 3D printers to produce rapid prototypes.

For the Year 12 students with Mr Kanck, Term 2 has centred around the development and execution of their Major Design Projects (MDP). Meg Broadhead noted that learning to navigate design challenges independently has helped develop valuable trial-and-error skills, while Gypsy McDonnell highlighted the personalised support from TAS staff in building confidence with complex workshop tools and processes.

The sheer variety of design solutions currently being developed by our seniors showcases incredible interdisciplinary thinking:

Darcy Fiske is fabricating a handheld soil corer designed to extract 10cm topsoil samples to test for mineral levels and gravimetric water content.
Hayley Haase is manufacturing specialised horse-riding reins tailored to support the physical and ergonomic needs of disabled riders.
Jedd Wardman is using the bandsaw and advanced joinery to craft an outdoor wine barrel table featuring an integrated ice bucket.
Carl Bughao is building an electronic 'Tix Clock' that uses coded light sequences to display time, aiming to stimulate daily problem-solving and neurological thinking.
Daniel Sheriff and Tom Wichman are pushing creative boundaries, with Daniel screen-printing a custom streetwear brand and Tom steam-bending timber to shape a custom fishing net.
Gypsy McDonnell has taken on a massive creative build, hand-building and thrifting sustainable sets and costumes for the school musical.
Meg Broadhead is focused on architectural modelling, creating a clubhouse and structural layout design for Connolly Park.

Mr Andrew Geurtsen | TAS KLA Leader

"Mater Dei Matters"

Issue 5 · 29 May 2026

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