Design & Technology

from Annual: Trinity 2015

2015 Acknowledgements

It has been an exciting year in 2015 for the Design & Technology Department, with fantastic achievements in all subject areas and projects of a high standard being produced. Advancements in technology have kept the Treacy Centre well-equipped to provide the best learning experience possible. Some key factors to our success have been the dedication of our experienced staff and highly motivated students working hard to maximise their outcomes.

Academically, we have introduced new courses to cater for the changing curriculum and the needs of the boys. In the workshop environment, a new VET Certificate II in Visual Arts has been implemented with a focus on the wood context. This provides non-ATAR students with an avenue for success outside the mainstream areas. It has proven to be a great success and Mr Glenn Christiansen has worked tirelessly to help the students gain success. Projects have been of a high standard and the boys have been proud of all they have been able to achieve.

Design Graphic students have been hard at work on their folios designing structures that are state of the art. An exciting new project has been the disaster relief pods. Here the boys have had to create a design for a transportable disaster relief shelter that could be used to aid humanitarian efforts in the event of a natural disaster or similar. This project incorporates a range of social issues including cultural diversity, beliefs, attitudes and values, all contributing to an environmental awareness in both the local and international contexts. Students have found it to be a meaningful and rewarding experience.

Technology in the area has improved with the purchase of a new Up Box 3D printer and a large bed laser printer. These devices allow students greater access to the facility and increase production output. Enthusiasm is at an all-time high and some excellent models are being produced. These machines have been extensively used in the Engineering and Design & Communication courses.

Both Wood and Metals courses have been popular and the workshops have been put through their paces with all machines running constantly. Again, student work is of a high standard and the final products are something of which the boys should be proud. In the wood area, some fine furniture has been produced, with the new wood lathes proving popular. In metals the mini bike project has once again proven to be popular amongst students and some interesting custom designs have been created.

Mr Paul Van Vliet Head of Design & Technology (Acting)

We acknowledge the efforts of Mr Ray Archibald who, after twelve years of service to the College, has announced his retirement moving into the new year. Ray has been the Head of Learning Area for Design & Technology during this time and shown great passion and enthusiasm for the area. His expertise in engineering has proven to be invaluable, with many students moving into tertiary education in this field. Because of Ray’s love of soccer he has coached many teams over the years with fantastic results and his dedication will be missed. As a department and a community, we wish Ray well for the future and hope this new chapter in his life is filled with good health and happiness.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Joel Shinkfield, who returned to the College to cover staff away on long service leave. Joel has proven himself to be extremely flexible in his capacity to cover all subject areas and shown great dedication to the boys he has taught. Joel previously worked at the College as the Design & Technology technician and, driven by his passion to help others, completed his studies to become a teacher. We wish Joel every success in the future.

After another successful year in Design & Technology we look forward to 2016 and all that it offers. Our area will join the national curriculum in the following year and some exciting changes will be made to the learning experience. We wish all students at the College the best of luck for the future and hope that they make the most of all that is offered in Design & Technology.

Mr Paul Van Vliet Head of Design & Technology (Acting)