Design and Technology

Do we remember when all students in the Design and Technology (Manual Arts) classes would make the same teapot stand or shoe horn?

Thankfully, the focus is now on student-centred learning rather than teacher driven

Mr Ray Archibald exercises. Students now Head of Design and Technology design and manufacture projects in their own creative and unique way and we are always amazed to see the excellent quality and diverse range of products produced in school. Our students at Trinity are very fortunate to have a facility such as the state of the art Treacy Technology Centre. With access to the internet, students can now develop projects using information gained from designers throughout the world. With the aid of Computer Assisted Design programs, they can produce accurate working drawings and with digital cameras, photograph stages of development of their models for portfolios or web pages. Problem solving activities is the theme of tasks set in Systems Technology using hi-tech equipment in pneumatics, electronics and computer controlled robotics. Year Eleven Systems students design and manufacture model solar cars to compete in the Western Power Competition. Using the computer controlled Laser Cutter they design and manufacture parts to exact dimensions. Students at Trinity are indeed extremely lucky to work in this environment where they can achieve their true potential in this creative area with the help and dedication of staff John Broadhead, Tony Webb and teacher assistant Joel Shinkfield.

2003 Western Power Solar Model Car Challenge

Our Year Eleven Systems Technology students entered two cars in this event, held at Forrest place on 16th and 17th October. After the first day of the competition, held under artificial lights, only one of our cars made it through to the finals. After racing against some of the top cars in the state we ended up being beaten ‘by a whisker’ for a place in the semi final and a trip to Adelaide in the national competition. This was an excellent result considering there were almost fifty cars competing. The winner was Christchurch who also won the National title.

Congratulations must go to team members Jamie Hewlett, Mark Knedler, Bradley Sells and Sean Hughes for their excellent efforts and thanks to Lim and Joel for helping us in preparing the cars.

Ray Archibald

Head of Design and Technology

Design and Technology