Design & Technologies Learning Area Snapshot

Year 9 All Systems Go – Coin Sorters

Last term, our Year 9 All Systems Go students immersed themselves in a hands-on project to research, design and construct their own laser-cut coin sorters.

Following the brief and full design process, students began with research and concept development before progressing to Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling. They produced precise digital drawings for each component, which were then brought to life through laser cutting and careful assembly into fully functional prototype models.

This project showcases the strengths of Design and Technology as an interdisciplinary subject, blending creativity with critical thinking and technical skill. Students applied mathematical precision, artistic design principles, and digital technologies to achieve professional-quality outcomes.

In a generous extension of their learning, several students chose to donate their finished coin sorters to a local primary school, supporting younger children in developing coin recognition and numeracy skills.

Projects like these not only highlight how Design and Technology connects with Maths, Art, and Digital Technologies, but also offer students a tangible introduction to future pathways in engineering, architecture, product design, and advanced manufacturing. 

Gary Horan - Technologies Teacher

Ryan’s Ramp – Year 12 Engineering Studies

On Monday, 6 August, Year 12 students Dylan Hudson and Tom King presented Year 8 student Ryan Chen with a custom-designed accessible boccia ramp, their Semester 1 major project in Engineering Studies. It was a proud and emotional moment that celebrated months of dedicated design, testing and teamwork.

Engineering Studies teacher, Stue Carr, adapted this year’s course to include the project after the opportunity arose to support Ryan, a student with quadriplegia who required a way to participate more fully in boccia. As Ryan has very limited movement, standard ramps and release mechanisms weren’t suitable. The design brief required that the ramp allow him to control the release mechanism from his wheelchair, and that an assistant could help adjust the aim of the ramp and speed of the released ball.

The result of weeks of prototyping and refining, Ryan’s Ramp is both functional and personal. Built from timber and powder coated steel, it features Ryan’s favourite colour, red, and includes a laser etched League of Legends logo in recognition of his passion for the game.

What makes the ramp truly remarkable is its function. Ryan can now influence the position of the ramp and trigger the release independently using an arm extending from his wheelchair. For him, it’s not just about the game, but about having the autonomy to participate on his own terms.

Seeing Ryan launch his first boccia ball down the ramp was a powerful moment. It represented more than just a project completed; it reflected the impact of empathy, collaboration and inclusive education in action.

Congratulations to Dylan and Tom for their brilliant work, and thank you to all staff involved. Ryan’s Ramp is more than a piece of equipment. It’s a symbol of what can be achieved when compassion and engineering creativity come together.

Stue Carr – Technologies Lead Teacher