Product Design & Technology Learning Area Update

It’s hard to believe that we are talking about the school holidays already! So far during term 3 we have welcomed many new and returning students to our faculty from years 7 - 10 for our semester based classes.

Classes are well underway with their first or second design projects in the resistant materials subjects (metals & plastics, mixed materials) and breadth classes. Which includes projects such as a geometric firepit, mixed material species and resin charcuterie boards, laser engraved bag tags and an electronic pollinating robot.

In game design and digital technologies, students have been learning to apply concepts from game theory such as cooperation, payoff and zero-sum games. They have had to design and make a unique board game including the design and creation of 3D printed game playing pieces with next steps being the creation of flowcharts to aid in digitising their game concepts.

As part of this, students are now in the process of learning about different programming languages and their respective pros and cons. This will guide them to write code for their game concept early in term 4.

Unit 2 Product Design students in year 11 have been designing for positive impacts for end-users and considering equitable design principals. Students have started their design processes, with some design solutions in the textiles (non-resistant materials) subject, including garments for people with sensory needs and on-trend clothing to empower amputees and people with mobility challenges.

And in food studies, year 9 and 10 students have completed their Food Safety modules and have prepared themselves for safety with food in the kitchen.

I would like to take the opportunity to commend the hardwork and dedication of our year 12 students who are coming to the end of their unit 4 studies. For many of these students, the Product Design & Technology faculty has been a core part of their schooling journey, and a place to realise many of their passions which extend beyond their formal education. A space where knowledge and skills can be applied together to design, make and create across subject and material specific areas.

Additionally, the VET building and construction students are coming to the end of their certificate 2 qualification, with many of these students pursuing a trade qualification or industry related internships into 2026.

Leigh Hodge | Product Design & Technology Learning Area Leader