Technologies

Independent Learning Week in Technologies

What a week it's been for the Technologies classes!

On Monday, 4 December, both of the Year 9 Textiles classes rounded out their studies on sustainability and the circular economy by visiting the Good Sammy's Recycling Store in Cannington. They donated some of their unwanted clothing items and looked around for new fashion stapes, giving life to someone else's unwanted clothes. For some students, this was their first visit to an op-shop and it looked like they not only enjoyed themselves, but appreciated the opportunity to save clothing from landfill.

On Tuesday, 5 December, our Materials - Wood students were tasked with a group challenge. They had to work together to construct a functional set of musical pan pipes, from assorted plastic tubing, string and glue. With only 45 minutes to complete the challenge, they were all busily working and testing their prototypes, with vary levels of success.

On Wednesday, 6 December, our Year 9 Computer Science students visited the Pawsey Super Computing Centre in Bentley. They learnt about the applications of supercomputers and quantum computers in the modern world and how supercomputers generate universes to test theories of black holes, dark energy and multiverses. They were pretty excited to hold a part of the computer worth $50,000!

Students were also shown the vis lab, where experts visualise real-time data representation, including the forming of tropical storms, on a super-sized screen which costs a cool $1.5 million.

They asked questions that were highly engaging and even gave pause to some of the staff including, 'Does this include string theory?', 'How do we observe a 4th dimensional plane?' and 'Can your supercomputer run Fortnite?'. 

Touring the Pawsey Super Computing Centre was extremely fun, exciting and interesting. I really liked the team as they allowed time for students to ask questions and answered them. Allowing us to hold and inspect a $50,000 graphics card (even though it was broken) was also a very nice thing for them to do. The presentations were also interesting. My favourite part had to be the talk at the end about space as it was super fascinating. This was a great and once in a lifetime experience, 10/10 - Ben Esplanaub (Year 9)

It was awesome, I really enjoyed it and learnt so much about computing and what you can do about supercomputers and the universe - Liam Sanders (Year 9)

The highlight of the excursion was the talk at the end with the experienced physics/supercomputer trainer. I loved how in-depth and passionate he was about his projects, which seemed so grand, yet even a teenager could ascertain the importance of such a project. Overall, the staff were welcoming and knew to deliver a beautiful yet simplistic view of the intricacies of the supercomputing world - Wyatt Saunders (Year 9)

It really was an amazing excursion to take them on and we'll definitely be back.

Mrs S Mark

(Head of Learning Area - Technologies)

Cookies for Charity

Mrs Bev Lowe and Mr John Lowe (aged 83 and 91) have a long-standing affiliation with us and their grandsons Jack and Luke also attended the College. They run a charity that provides biscuits for the homeless at Christmas, and they needed 500. When they called for help, our Year 9 and 10 Food Science & Technology students were quick to respond. They made five varieties and sorted them in to 100 packs.

Bev and John were so grateful for our contribution and are confident they will make a big difference this Christmas.

This pack of biscuits will mean the world to someone. To think that the students have taken the time and effort to make these, makes all the difference - Bev Lowe

Thank you to everyone involved for demonstrating that we really are prepared for all good works.

Mrs F Allard

(Technologies Assistant)