Extra News
Journey to RMIT
RMIT is one of the world's leading universities, consisting of almost 100,000 students. It possesses various campuses encompassing state-of-the-art learning facilities and infrastructure which covers 14% of the city!
On 13/2/24, Year 10 students for the Sydenham Campus, was fortunate to visit RMIT and interact with extensive and unique cutting-edge technology, ranging in fields such as Engineering, Robotics, Architecture, Arts and Culture.
The purpose of this trip was to expose students to a variety of different fields, which may help influence what career they might decide to pursue in the not too distant future..
Arts & Architecture
One of the most significant aspects of this excursion was the exposure to various forms of art exhibited at RMIT and throughout the Melbourne CBD area, and the profound significance it holds not only for specific individuals but for the entire community. At the outset of the activity, we engaged in detailed discussions about the importance of how diverse patterns and colours carry deeper cultural or group meanings. This led us to appreciate how the design of RMIT Architecture in the CBD was meticulously crafted to influence people's emotions and perceptions of the surroundings.
Venturing outside, we explored numerous public artefacts and art displays, each rich with historical significance. Despite the initial confusion caused by the abstract nature of many artworks, closer inspection revealed their profound impact on both us and the land. Among the public artworks we documented were "Standing by Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner" and "Wurrunggi Biik – The Law of the Land."
By the end of the activity, we gained further insights into how individuals and society as a whole can positively influence our perception of art and how we can contribute to creating meaningful art and architecture in the future.
New Cutting Edge Technology
Throughout our time at RMIT, we were lucky enough to be able to experience the new level of cutting-edge virtual reality equipment.
This included using a meta quest 3 VR headset, interacting with a robot named Rosie that was programmed to mimic our movements and respond to questions, real life hand tracking minigames and a rotating and immersive helicopter flight simulator.
Some of these robots were prototypes while others were sourced from industry leaders. Our class also ventured into another room where we were able to play an interactive program named Agar.io on a 5x2.5 metre screen made of multiple Samsung odyssey monitors by using our phones and controllers.
Engineers Without Borders
The engineering portion of the excursion consisted of the class constructing a house. Each group received a budget of $60 to purchase materials to build and reinforce the structure. Once you have purchased an item, it cannot be returned, so you have to discuss what to buy with your group and create a plan.
These building materials included icy-pole sticks, Lego bricks and other daily household items. The structure had to meet conditions for it to be deemed sufficient. This included a hurricane simulation test using an industrial fan switched to full speed, and an assessment of the model’s ability to deflect rain from entering and not damaging the structural integrity of the building.
Many groups fulfilled the set requirements and were able to create a structurally sound house, while other groups failed the test.
This exercise increases exposure to the engineering space and showcases the many ways of solving a problem. This exercise taught the class basic engineering concepts, such as constructing a house using different materials and ensuring it meets the designated criteria to be deemed structurally sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The primary objective of this trip was to expose students to a wide array of fields, aiming to spark inspiration and guide their career aspirations. By interacting with RMIT's extensive resources and expertise, students gained valuable insights into potential career paths and discovered new interests. This experience not only broadened their horizons but also empowered them to make informed decisions about their future aspirations..
Overall, our visit to RMIT University was a valuable opportunity for Copperfield College students to immerse themselves in the world of higher education and explore the possibilities that lie ahead. We are grateful to our teachers, Mr Stirkul, Ms Demiri, Ms Nguyen, Ms Libreri and Mr Ata for accompanying and encouraging us to immerse ourselves in the various activities on the day. It was definitely an enriching experience and we look forward to continuing our partnership with RMIT in fostering academic and professional growth for our students.
Marcus Randich
Sydenham
Junior Campus
Year 10 Student
Santi Dimech
Sydenham
Junior Campus
Year 10 Student
Sachein Sugum
Sydenham
Junior Campus
Year 10 Student