Design and Technology

Mr Ray Archibald Head of Design and Technology

It has been a very busy and productive year in the Design and Technology learning area.

Senior school

In the Engineering Studies stage 3 course specialising in Systems and Control, students learnt to build and program robotic models such as LED bike lights and model solar trackers operated by a PICAXE microcontroller. The boys then programmed the models using the relevant software. Matthew Youens (12.2) was the top student in the group demonstrating both excellent theory knowledge and practical work.

Design stage 3 (Technical Graphics) allowed students to express their creative ideas by producing a folio of designs for a community project in the Perth CBD. The boys visited the site taking pictures and notes to help them design ‘a public art gallery’ in Central Park. Students may use these folios to help them enter courses in architecture and graphic design. Declan Hayward (12.5) was the award winner in this subject.

Year 12 Materials Design and Technology stage 1 (wood) students designed and manufactured a free-standing shelving unit using a variety of timbers including Tasmanian oak and jarrah. I’m sure that all parents will be very proud to have these beautiful furniture items displayed in their homes. Curtis Reid (12.5) was the prize winner exhibiting excellent practical skills and commitment to his tasks.

The Years 11/12 MDT stage 1 (metal) top student award went to Paul Hawrylak (11.7) who demonstrated outstanding workshop skills in manufacturing his motor mini-bike. Paul is to be congratulated in outperforming his Year 12 classmates.

Middle School

Design and Technology is taught to our Year 7 students as two separate subjects: Materials Technology and Systems and Design. In these courses students are given a taste of the subjects they can select in Design and Technology in future years.

Zen Vakil with Team Curtin at the First Robotics Championships

Mr Paul Van Vliet using the Laser Cutter with Year 8 students

Curtis Reid (Year 12) Surfboard photo frame.

Middle school Materials Technology students develop skills and safe working practice when using materials such as wood, metals and plastics. They are encouraged to design, make and evaluate all projects they manufacture which gives them a valuable insight into the design process. Design and Communication courses provide students with the opportunity to study different types of graphic communication techniques using CAD software.

Middle school Design Graphics students receive a range of experiences, skills and concepts on computer design software packages. In Engineering courses they are also given some problem-solving systems technology exercises incorporating electronics, mechanisms and robotics.

First Robotics Championship

Samuel Carbone (10.1) joined the Curtin University team which entered the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) in Sydney. This competition, for high school students, is held in many countries around the world. Students are asked to design and construct a remote control robot to compete in a basketball game challenge. Sam attended Curtin Engineering Department twice a week for six months and was vice captain of the WA team which finished in the top ten. He intends to sign up for next season’s challenge to be held at Olympic Park, Sydney in March 2015 and encourages students interested in robotics to join him.

Modern Technology

In Design and Technology the use of our three laser cutting machines and 3D printers is becoming increasingly popular with students. A visit to the Treacy Centre during lunchtime or before school will find groups of boys queuing to laser cut or 3D print their intricate designs. Students have now realised the potential of these machines as they are trained to use them starting from Year 7. They can design and produce colourful models which are, not only aesthetically pleasing, but are increasingly more complex in nature.

I take this opportunity to personally thank our Middle School Coordinator, Mr Tony Webb, who has provided invaluable assistance to all of us in the department for a number of years.

Finally, I wish to thank my colleagues in D & T for their outstanding contribution during the course of this year. It is a pleasure to work in a team of talented and dedicated professionals who ensure that each student is given the opportunity to realise his potential in this practical area.

Mr Ray Archibald Head of Design and Technology

Year 9 students Ali Jehangir, Saad Jehangir and Jason Gonsalves making money boxes in Materials Design and Technology

Mitchell Hampson (Year 12) Bookshelves cabinet