The planning and work that commenced in early Term 4 last year to restructure the STEM and Woodwork facilities in the Technologies building came to fruition at the commencement of this year.

The purpose build STEM room was relocated to a different location in the Technologies building, replacing what was formerly a general-purpose Design and Technology classroom. The facilities in this new work area allow for the ongoing delivery of the very popular STEM courses running in Years 9 and 10. The room is equipped to teach students traditional technical drawing skills and transition these to the use of technology, where students use desktop computers equipped with CAD software to plan, design and create computer models. The computer-developed models are then sent to a laser cutter housed in this room, allowing for the manufacture and production of the designed products. The room is also equipped with a series of 3D printers allowing students to design and produce 3D models that can be printed as complete products or components used to manufacture mechanisms for larger models and prototypes. The facilities in the STEM room also allow the College to continue to offer the Dimensional Design courses in Years 11 and 12, as well as serve as a suitable workroom for the Year 7 and 8 Technology rotation programme that introduce students to the world of Design and Technology and familiarisation with and development of skills to use a number of hand tools.

This relocation of the STEM facilities was a necessary strategic move, allowing for the design and development of a purpose build woodwork room to not only be utilised by the Year 9-10 Design and Technology students but also given its proximity to the Woodwork Machine room, enabled the College to also offer Senior Secondary courses in Materials, Design and Technology (MDT) with a specialisation in Wood. The appetite for this course proved true, as enough students opted to select this course in Year 11 this year, to facilitate two classes running. Students selecting this course will learn about the origins, classifications, properties and suitability for purpose of different wood materials, as well as develop a range of carpentry skills using different equipment and techniques. They will develop skills to manipulate and work with wood as well as be introduced to various production management strategies, and as the students transition to Year 12, they will be given more opportunities to realise their design ideas through the production of their self-designed products and planned projects.

Teaching students about sustainable practices is very much a part of all Technologies courses. Students are challenged to take action to make better decisions and choices by selecting to work with materials from recycled and/or upcycled sources, promoting more sustainable practices. As students learn how to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to design for effective sustainability, they also focus on the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to choose materials, technologies and systems with regard to cost and environmental benefit. All this enables our students to reflect on past and current practices and assess new and emerging technologies with a sustainability focus.

I would like to personally thank and acknowledge all the hard work carried out by the College Maintenance team as well as the Technologies teachers and assistants, who all contributed to this vision becoming a reality.

Tom Dudek
Head of Technologies