Head of Technologies

The world of Technology is constantly changing around us and at times it can feel hard to keep up. Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around for many decades, it has recently become a bigger part in a lot of our lives. With the wide scale development of, and public access to generative AI in 2022, many people are now using it to create story ideas, manage their shopping lists, generate lesson ideas and even for some teachers, writing their newsletter articles. So, enjoy reading what this new technology can produce with a few simple prompts in Microsoft Copilot.

Creativity and Innovation across the Campus

This Term, our students and staff have been diving deep into hands-on learning, creative exploration, and cutting-edge technology. From wearable art to autonomous race cars, the energy across our design and technology spaces is electric!

Designing the Future of Fauna

Students from the School of Design have been using Autodesk 3DS Max to imagine and model entirely new animals by blending features from existing species. Among the standout creations were a dog with butterfly wings and a crocodile-airplane hybrid—both imaginative and technically impressive. This project not only honed their 3D modelling skills but also encouraged innovative thinking and storytelling through design.

Robotics Team Wows at Agfest

Our Secondary robotics students made a big impression at Agfest, showcasing their custom-built robots through engaging demonstrations. These robots can collect and store directional inputs via button commands, then replay them as a sequence of actions. This feature highlights the students’ understanding of programming logic and automation, and the demonstrations drew enthusiastic interest from attendees.

Racing into the Future

Back on campus, the robotics team has also been developing autonomous race cars designed to navigate a custom track in the STEM room. These mini marvels use sensors and programming to race without human control. Students are also required to analyse the data collected by the robots—such as speed, turning angles, and lap times—to refine their designs and improve performance. The races have become a highlight of the week, drawing cheers and sparking curiosity among fellow students.

Hands-On Learning in Design an Technology

Across our design and technology subjects, students are engaging in exciting projects that blend creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation:

Years 9/10 Textiles: Students are hard at work crafting wearable art outfits for a competition in early August. The designs are bold, expressive, and showcase incredible skill and imagination.
Workshop Techniques: Students are learning garment construction by making hoodies, gaining practical sewing and design skills.
Object Design: This year’s theme is adaptation, and students are developing unique objects with guidance from a UTAS mentor who visits fortnightly. Through design thinking and creative exploration, students are preparing for an end-of-course exhibition that promises to be inspiring.
Years 7/8 Woodwork: Students are crafting specialty timber serving boards and laser-cut veneer coasters, combining traditional woodworking with modern technology.
Years 7/8 Metalwork: Students are creating metal brazing sculptures, learning the art of joining metals with precision and creativity.
Years 9/10 Woodwork: Students are designing and building analogue clocks, blending function and form in beautiful timepieces.
Years 9/10 Metalwork: Students are fabricating MIG-welded folding shovels, applying engineering principles to create practical tools.
Years 9/10 Design in Graphics: Students are working on laser-cut paper packaging designs and 3D modelling, exploring the intersection of branding, design, and digital fabrication.
Technology Update: Our CNC router is now up and running, opening up new possibilities for precision cutting and advanced design projects.

Teachers Lead the Way at EDUtech 2025

Four of our dedicated teachers attended the EDUtech conference in Sydney on June 11–12, exploring the latest in AI, robotics, STEM, student wellbeing, digital citizenship, and Aboriginal culture. Their insights are already enriching our classrooms and inspiring new directions in teaching and learning.

📅MADE Night Is Coming!

Families will have the opportunity to see many of these incredible projects firsthand at our upcoming MADE night next week. It’s a celebration of student creativity, innovation, and hard work—don’t miss it!

Jacob McNab

Head of Technologies