Warners Bay High School

Quality Education for All

Telephone02 4954 9488

Emailwarnersbay-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Technology & Applied Studies Achievements 2019

Our faculty had a dynamic year with great works produced by our students, significant new equipment was purchased and major changes to pedagogy were introduced.

Our top highlights were:

Two 2019 HSC Industrial Technology: Metals and Engineering students being nominated for In Tech

In Tech is an exhibition of outstanding Major Projects from HSC Industrial Technology students. The exhibition covers all Industrial Technology focus areas – Timber Products and Furniture, Automotive, Electronics, Graphics, Metal and Engineering, and Multimedia. It includes students’ folios which document the design, management, communication and production of their projects. Jye Pastourmoglou and Kurt Ryan produced outstanding work and are to be congratulated on achieving this honour.

Year 8 had a fantastic day on the Technology InFocus Newcastle excursion

We visited the Newcastle University NeW Space building in Hunter Street for a guided tour with Ryan Jeffery (Student Recruitment-Engagement Co-ordinator) and a current university student. Our students were informed about the courses they offer at the city campus – Creative Industries, Law and Business. Mr Mackay, Years 11 and 12 Industrial Technology (Metals) teacher, explained to the students the construction process that was used to build the amazing ANZAC Bridge. We walked along the Newcastle Foreshore to find out about the Port Authority of NSW Building and the different career paths they offer. We visited the rejuvenated Newcastle Railway Station, now rebranded ‘The Station’. Finally, we investigated the new Light Rail project which opened earlier in the year.

2019 HSC Major Projects showcase on 2 September 2019

An afternoon was organised for parents/carers and friends of the Year 12 students in Industrial Technology Timber and Metal courses to view their Major Projects. These projects were displayed in the school library from 5.30-6.30pm. Teachers Brendan Mackay and Craig Butler and Head Teacher TAS Jodene Whitton were on hand to support their students in showcasing their achievements.

TAS staff PL afternoon: Coding the new 2020 TAS programs in Literacy and Numeracy

Mr Bruce presented the Numeracy and Ms Tamas the Literacy aspects of coding. Coding supports the implementation of Numeracy and Literacy activities that have been developed for students in each context area.

Year 9 Koala Mitten Project "Smitten for Mittens" 

In November an initiative by the Year 9 Textiles class to knit mittens for koalas gained worldwide exposure. The story was featured on the WBHS Facebook page on 18 November - with 660  shares, and over 1.2K likes - a good news story about students using their skills to help the koalas, but also teaching the students about empathy and caring. ABC Newcastle contacted the school as a result of the post going viral and they featured the story on their web page on 22 November attracting over 350 shares, 190 comments and 1.6K likes.

ABC Sydney picked up the story on November 26 2019 with 1.4K likes and over 250 shares, with the reach being as far as comments from Ireland and America. Nina Parker- Kennedy and four students (Mackenzie Curtis, Jordan Parsons, Jessica McDougall, and Angelina Ball) were interviewed by ABC radio and a 5 minute story was aired on the Breakfast Program.

An outstanding effort from this community-minded class.

2019 HSC Textiles and Design Major Projects

Ms Parker Kennedy and her 2019 HSC students presented their Major Textiles Projects and folios for HSC marking.

Projects included amazing designs made into a range of apparel items such as a festival collection, three piece resort collection, a costume inspired by the Game of Thrones, and a Japanese Kimono.

Successful implementation of the Stage 4 Technology Mandatory Syllabus

New Year 7 Technology Mandatory programs incorporating the four context areas: Digital Technologies, Agriculture and Food Technologies, Engineered Systems and Material Technologies (Textiles and Timber) were successfully introduced in 2019.

TAS teachers have already evaluated and adjusted these programs for 2020. The new Year 8 programs will be implemented for the first time in 2020. Stage 5 TAS syllabus requirements have also been incorporated into the new program format ready for implementation in 2020.

Coding in Technology

The new Technology Mandatory syllabus Context Area,  Digital Technologies, has seen the introduction of teaching coding. Ms Kennedy has worked tirelessly throughout 2019 to build resources, design engaging teaching strategies and develop challenging assessment tasks. The Pencil Code is one example of coding that was successfully taught in 2019.

Cyber Safety Grant

Ms Kennedy successfully applied for a Cyber Safety Grant. Thank you to Sarah Box from NSW Cyber Security, for a $1000 grant donated to Warners Bay High School for Stage 4 Digital Technology classes. The grant was used to assist students to learn to code using a programming language called Python. A class set of Micro bit kits was purchased. These are tiny microcomputers that run a programming language to display images and text using LEDs. Students will use the kits to create a variety of projects including coding basics, a virtual pet and a soil moisture tester.

NAIDOC Day Catering by Year 11 Hospitality

Students catered for the annual NAIDOC Day celebrations at Warners Bay High School. Students prepared for and served 150 guests. All feedback was very positive. Hospitality students are required to complete two functions per year, the other being SASS Recognition Week morning tea. Congratulations to Ms Allen and her team.