2024 HSC Results
Congratulations to TAS on the positive outcomes in the 2024 HSC results! The hard work and dedication of both students and teachers have paid off. The distribution of Band scores across different subjects showcases a well-rounded achievement.
The results reflect the academic achievements, positive learning environments, and effectiveness of the teaching methodologies in our TAS classes. It is a true reflection of the experienced teachers, Mrs. Nina Parker Kennedy (Textiles & Design) Ms. Jodene Whitton (Food Tech), Mr. Brendan Mackay (IT Metals), and Mr. Jason Moore (IT Timber).
STEM
In Semester Two of Year 8 STEM, students participated in an exciting project called the Touring Car Endurance Challenge. The class achieved a significant milestone by constructing a scaled replica of the famous Mount Panorama racetrack and engaging in thrilling time trials with their coded cars.
Focusing on precision and innovation, they explored various experiments, fine-tuning both the track layout and tire cleaning techniques to enhance speed and optimise performance.
Tech Girls
In Term One of 2024, WBHS had a team of five students participating in the ME Program. This program aims to connect the Hunter industry with its future workforce while increasing students' awareness of careers and pathways in the Defence Industry. It also upskills students in preparation for STEM jobs.
In 2024, an exciting new initiative was introduced: the Defence Industry and Innovation Challenge. Student Sophie E and teacher Mrs. Chawner attended an information evening about this new venture, which featured an inspiring speaker, Jacob Kleinman. He provided valuable insights and information about the first challenge. The WBHS team, comprised of Year 10 students Sophie E, Ami B, Riannon A, Morgan S, and Chloe R, had several weeks to brainstorm, plan, address issues, and prepare a 10-minute pitch for their idea, which focused on marine security in our harbors and oceans. Each student presented confidently, and they did an outstanding job showcasing their ideas on the big stage in the HSPA Theatre. WBHS competed against four other schools and, although they did not win, they certainly made WBHS proud.
Next, the WBHS team participated in the ‘Careers for Tech Girls’ event, where four teams of female students from various schools worked to identify issues in their surroundings or local community and design solutions. Industry experts from the Defence Force, UON Nuclear Medicine students, and ANSTO acted as mentors, guiding the students as they innovated their solutions. The students and mentors then discussed STEM careers and educational pathways. At the end of the workshop, the students presented their ideas and pitched them to a panel of judges made up of industry experts.
WBHS was hosted by HI-VIS at Carrington, where they were given a tour of the facilities. The manager, who invented the flashing school signs, also shared information about their production of road signs used throughout NSW and across Australia. Later, representatives from ANSTO (Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) at Lucas Heights in Sydney spoke to the group. They explained the capabilities of the OPAL multi-purpose reactor, and the challenge for the students was to demonstrate how nuclear medicine differs from nuclear propulsion. It was an interesting and informative day, and everyone gained a wealth of knowledge about nuclear science and its applications.
Food Service Australia 2024 Excursion
On Monday, May 20th, the Year 11 and 12 Hospitality classes, along with the Year 12 Food Technology class, visited the Food Service Australia 2024 show at ICC Sydney Darling Harbour. Food Service Australia 2024 is a showcase where exhibitors present innovative food products, new ideas, and opportunities for networking within the hospitality industry. Our students made the most of this experience by engaging with exhibitors, tasting new food trends, and exploring the latest equipment. The event also featured competitions, workshops, and seminars.
Overall, the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which allowed them to connect the information taught in class with real-world applications.
SHAPE 2024
The following students from Mrs Parker Kennedy’s HSC Textiles and Design class Erika E and Paige M, Mr. Brendan Mackay's HSC Industrial Technology Metals and Engineering class, Toby C, Ryan H, Samuel H, Harrison S, and Joshua S from Mr. Jason Moore’s HSC Timber and Furniture Technologies class were nominated for possible inclusion in Shape 2024.
Shape is an annual exhibition of exemplary Major Projects developed by HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design students.
As you can appreciate, NESA receives many Major Textiles Projects and Industrial Technology Major Projects for nomination, and not all can be included in the SHAPE. Unfortunately, our students nominated were not selected. Only a small percentage of Major Projects are nominated for consideration, the WBHS TAS department is extremely proud of the five students' accomplishments. Well done to Erika, Paige Toby, Ryan, Sam, Harry, Josh, and their teachers Mr Brendan Mackay, Ms Nina Parker-Kennedy and Mr Jason Moore.
Year 11 Textiles and Design
The 2024 Year 11 Textiles and Design class had a successful and creative first major project! Designing and manufacturing a range of projects in costume and apparel, including Satin corsets, satin bias skirts, chiffon gathered skirts, satin embellished dresses, sun dresses, velvet bolero, two-piece day wear sets showcasing a diverse set of skills and a commitment to producing high-quality textile items.
The fact that the students demonstrated sophisticated design principles and advanced construction techniques reflects well on their understanding and application of the subject matter. This experience will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for their future design projects, particularly as they prepare for their Textiles & Design Major Textile Projects for the HSC in 2024.
The variety of garments they produced also indicates a well-rounded exploration of different styles and techniques within the field of textiles and design. This exposure will likely contribute to the students' versatility and creativity as they move forward in their studies. Thank you to their teacher Mrs. Nina Parker Kennedy for her outstanding support and guidance.
HSC Industrial Technology Major Projects and Folio showcase.
The continued high standard of work by the 2024 HSC cohort of Industrial Technology Timber and Metal, was showcased to parents and friends in Term 3 2024.
These showcase evenings not only highlight the technical skills and craftsmanship of the students but also demonstrate their ability to conceptualise, plan, and produce projects. It's an excellent way to involve the community and give parents and friends a firsthand look at the dedication and talent of the students in the Industrial Technology course. Such events play a crucial role in fostering a sense of pride among the students and their families and showcasing the school's commitment to providing quality education in Industrial Technology.
Congratulations to the students and their teachers Mr. Brendan Mackay and Mr. Jason Moore for the successful evening and best wishes for their future endeavours in the field of Industrial Technology.
GREASE Excursion
In May, an exciting excursion for 40 students from Years 8, 10, and 11 Textiles and Technology classes as they went to The Capitol Theatre to experience the timeless musical, Grease. It’s one of the world’s most iconic and loved musicals and the experience was undoubtedly valuable for students studying costume design as part of their curriculum.
Students were given the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the costume designs crafted by James Browne.
Students were transported back to the iconic era of the 1950s, they witnessed firsthand the detailing of costumes that epitomised the "rockabilly" style of the era. The live setting provided a dynamic platform for students to grasp the practical application of costume design in a theatrical production. They witnessed how these intricately designed costumes developed into characters, enhancing the storytelling experience while reflecting the essence of the 1950s era.
They all loved Marcia Hines, and we are sure she will feature in their Spotify playlists.
Attending live performances allows students to see the practical application of the concepts they learn in the classroom. Experiencing designs in a live setting can inspire and deepen students' understanding of the creative process involved in costume design.
This excursion to the Capitol Theatre created lasting memories for the students and will contribute to their growth as budding designers.
Junior Tech class Highlights.
Year 7 Tech Mandatory students have demonstrated their creativity and had fun making jewellery in the Materials Technologies: Metal class with Mr. Mackay.
This year, they thoroughly enjoyed learning about engineering. They explored the different types of engineers and how they contribute to solving problems in our world. Students engaged in problem-solving, designing, decorating, making, testing, and evaluating their rubber-band racer cars. Everyone worked hard and enjoyed applying their skills.
Additionally, they learned how to operate a sewing machine and designed and constructed original tote bags. Using Canva, students created designs for transfers and then applied them using a sublimation press.
Lunchtime isn't always just about eating. Year 10 Industrial Technology: Metal students attended lunchtime tutorials focused on lawn mower restoration.
In Year 10 Textiles Technology, students engaged in a Project Runway task where they designed and produced a fashion magazine and created a garment. Additionally, Year 10 students participated in a mini-taster lesson exploring HSC Textiles and Design themes. They crafted scaled romantic tutus for models using various materials. They also examined folios and past projects, allowing them to uncover and express their creative side.
Year 9 Food Technology students completed a practical assessment in which they created a Boost Juice collaboration using First Nations foods. The students were tasked with designing and making a new smoothie flavour inspired by bush foods such as wattle seed, lemon pepper, lemon myrtle, strawberry gum, river mint, and Davidson plum. Drawing inspiration from these bush tucker flavours, they developed unique smoothie recipes. Additionally, the students conducted a photo shoot to promote their new smoothie range and taste-tested the exciting flavours they created. Well done to Year 9!
