Design and Technology

Academic

This year saw the introduction of the second Design and Technology Course of Study for our Year 11 students. We have two classes of forty boys in total studying the wood context of the Materials Design and Technology course. These Mr Ray Archibald Head of Design and Technology students will progress to stage 2 units next year, allowing them to use this practical subject to contribute to their Tertiary Entrance Rank score. This will be the first time that a practical course can be utilised in this way and teachers Mr Tony Webb and Mr Paul Van Vliet have been responsible for the high standard of work which the students have produced.

At the present time preparation has begun on the new Design (Technical Graphics Context) course which will be offered to our Year 11 students in 2009. This will complete the range of new Courses of Study for the D and T learning area. Mr Rohan Van Dongen, our graphics specialist, must be congratulated for his input and guidance to the Curriculum Council, writers of this new course. Mr Van Dongen’s excellent contribution to the Middle School graphics curriculum is the reason that this subject has become so popular in Senior School this year.

At the time of writing this article our Year 12 Engineering Studies students are about to sit the Semester 2 examinations. This year, we have been especially conscious of the need to prepare our students for every eventuality in their final examination and I feel confident that they will perform well. Our Middle School courses continue to be very popular options for students. It is pleasing to see a progressive improvement in both the quality and quantity of uniquely designed and manufactured student models in these areas. There is no doubt that the Treacy Technology Centre is now an established area of the College where students can express their individuality through practical projects in a safe working environment using sophisticated technology.

Finally, I wish to thank Mr John Broadhead for his excellent contribution to the department during the last six years at the College. John leaves us at the end of this year with the intention of taking time to build a new house down south. He has been Middle School Coordinator in Design and Technology for the past four years providing outstanding knowledge and expertise in this area and he is an excellent role model for us all.

Mr Ray Archibald

Head of Design and Technology