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Design and Technology
This, as in previous years has
been another busy and productive year in the Workshops and Graphics
room. Both staff and students quickly come to terms with the hectic
nature of production in a big workshop and designing studio which often
looks a frenzy of activity from an outsider's perspective.
Innovation, creativity and practical design are always a focus and the
students have produced an impressive range of work. Mr Chris Gray led
his Year 12 Wood fabrication class in the production of a set of steel
framed bench tables for the College grounds. Congratulations to the
students involved who enjoyed the opportunity to work with metal,
welding and grinding their way to the finished pieces. The enthusiasm of
the lower school classes is always pleasing to see with some well
finished pieces in timber, plastic and graphic work.
Mr Darren Raymond has continued to develop the use of Electronics with a
creative use of robotics and circuit programming. The skills gained in
these classes will aid those students who have selected the new
Engineering course for 2008. Congratulations to those Year 9 students
involved in this year's Engineering Challenge.
Materials Design Technology will also begin in 2008 bringing some
exciting changes and enhancing the already effective existing courses
developed by our experienced staff.
The Technical Graphics Students have explored and developed their skills
in Architectural, Product, and Graphic design with some fantastic
finished works. The Year 12 class produced some detailed Torch designs
for specific target groups, with two of the final products 3D printed.
Congratulations to all students involved.
The Upper School wood working students would normally be taken to a
timber mill as an excursion, this year however we arranged to bring in a
mobile Mill to the students. We managed to obtain five large jarrah logs
that were milled into varying slabs of timber in front of the students.
These slabs,once cured in storage, will be used to create furniture
pieces in the years to come.
Special mention to Mr Toby Hurd who joined the team for Semester II,
working with the upper school students with pleasing results. Special
thanks also to Mr Rob Heintz our Technician, his assistance behind the
scenes and one on one with both D&T staff and students is very much
valued and appreciated. Unfortunately we will be losing a valued member
of our staff, Mr Michael Speechley, who has brought great enthusiasm,
good humour and creativity to the Graphics and Art department over the
past two years.
It was pleasing to note again this year the number of ex-students from
the D&T area that have gone on to further study in related fields,
everything from furniture and jewellery design to building and
engineering. The decision of these students to continue with their
interest in Design is a great testament to the success of the Design
Technology Department.
Brian Morison
Acting Coordinator Design and Technology
December 2007
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