Materials Tech provides a unique opportunity for our students to explore uncharted territories, delving into a domain that may be entirely foreign to them. It's a realm where they combine both mental and physical skills to transform their imaginative ideas into tangible, handcrafted creations—a craft that often seems forgotten in this era of instant gratification.

During Terms 3 and 4, our Year 8 Materials Tech students have been engaged in two intriguing assessments. First, they've ventured into the world of timber, utilising hand tools to design and fabricate chopping/serving boards. These boards will not only serve guests for years to come but also become a cherished addition to their kitchens, a place to artfully prepare ingredients. Working with tools for the first time presents a multitude of challenges, yet each student has risen to the occasion during the design process, producing fully realized products they can take immense pride in.

In the second task, students have delved into the world of advanced manufacturing. They've had the chance to experiment with industry-standard software and hardware, crafting keychains or earrings that may adorn their bags or ears, or those of their loved ones. Using Adobe Illustrator, a software frequently employed by design firms in the real world, and our state-of-the-art laser cutter, a machine employed for fabrication and rapid prototyping, students have unlocked their creativity and honed their technical skills.

We are genuinely proud of the remarkable creations our students have crafted in these diverse projects. Our gratitude extends to Catherine Mackay, whose invaluable support played a crucial role in elevating our students to this level of accomplishment.