Nillumbik Tech School

Motor Gear Design Challenge

The year 10 students huddled outside the gates of ESC, awaiting their bus to the Banyule Nillumbik Tech School in Greensborough. Little did they know that they would be waiting for some time on that cold and frosty morning, as our bus driver navigated the winding roads of the Northern suburbs. When our coach finally arrived, Reuben took the initiative to provide directions, which proved more reliable and effective than any existing Sat Nav system.

All attendees were attentive and respectful when the college staff provided information and instructions. Over the next two days, the students challenged themselves with new content, materials and skills. All students involved showed their artistic flare by creating attractive and innovative motor safety gear. Hamoudy took to the sewing machine like a duck to water. 

Other students including Reuben, Kyle, Jake, and Nathan developed skills using highly technical computer programs to design parts of motorcycle protective gear that they then 3D printed and incorporated into their productions. 

Chelsea, Sana, Kaylee and Ollie were able to navigate complex design software to create design logos and have them embroidered on site.

At the conclusion of the program, the students presented their ideas amongst themselves and were able to respond very professionally to tricky questions posed to them by a panel of technicians. Cooper produced a very well thought-out business strategy presented in a well design PowerPoint presentation.

I was very lucky to stand in for these students’ regular science teacher, Ms. Austin, to watch them challenge themselves and upskill to produce an array of creative and intricate designs, using different technologies. There is some serious talent in this class of students. A thankyou is also extended to Ms. Ahmed, our tech school ambassador here at Epping for organising and coordinating this excursion.

Sean Loffman

Maths/Science Teacher