12 DEC 2023 Year 7 Design and Technologies

This semester, the Year 7 Design and Technologies students worked hard to produce some very impressive plastic and wood projects. In Term 3, our focus was on designing and creating an acrylic (plastic) object. Students developed their design and problem solving skills as they planned, designed and produced their plastic projects. They used a range of hand tools to cut, file and polish their creations, before attaching them to a keyring, magnet or wooden base.

In Term 4, the focus shifted to working with wood. Students continued to develop their skills in using hand tools as they created housing and rebate joins for their chosen project; candle holders, Christmas trees or shelves.

It was extremely pleasing to watch these students work together to support each other as they developed and practised their new skills. They were open to having a go and embracing the (sometimes quite daunting) challenges of using tools and the disk sander, they persevered when they found things difficult, and they problem-solved to decide on which tools and processes might be best suited to their particular design challenges.

At Kolbe, we believe that ‘Everyone Grows’ and I was so very proud to see these students grow and thrive in the workshop this semester.

Congratulations to all the students of 7B and 7F, and a big thank you to the staff who supported us throughout the semester; Mrs Renard, Mr Pettenon and Mr Berend.

Marianthi Stavrakis

Student reflections:

In Wood Tech this term I learnt how to cut, file and polish my design that was shaped as a cross. I found that making the shape of a cross was hard and required lots of effort and patience. I had another attempt at making a cross which didn't end very well because I didn't plan or take my time with it and was very rushed.

I've learnt how to get familiar with the basic tools and I learnt the steps throughout the time of making my design. I have learnt the expectations and what not to do because many things are unsafe. The one thing that was challenging was having to be very careful when cutting out my cross. I overcame this by re starting and knowing I had to change what I did to my next one so it wouldn't turn out the same and I made sure to take my time and make everything as I had planned it to be.

I've enjoyed making my design because now I can use it on my bag, in my room and I can be proud that I’ve made it myself. I also have enjoyed how I went from not being interested at all to being really engaged with the work and projects we have been doing.

I really like how my keychain turned out and how, even though I struggled at the start, I overcame that and made mine better. I like the colours I used and the design.

I would do this again because I really enjoyed how everything went and I would love to make more of my own designs. Overall, I really enjoyed this topic and would do it again.

Yr 7B student

When I began to design my plastic product, I was persistent on making an H to symbolise my name but I quickly decided to make a cross because it represented me and my family in many ways. For me, my faith is an important factor in my life so after a few tries I persevered and finally completed my cross. Throughout this time I used a coping saw, a file and all types of sanding paper ranging from 80 to 1200. I learnt many things. I've realised how hard Wood Tech is so I do respect people that are in that industry, but not just that, I have also learnt that making stuff takes time and if I want it to look good, then when I work I shouldn't be looking at the clock. Challenges I have faced haven't been easy. I struggled with mental challenges such as, can I do this? will it look good?, do I want to give up? But after a few wise words and confidence of others it really made me grow a passion towards this subject. Lastly, I really enjoyed this term and I would love to do something like this again. As for my keychain I really like it, but I know that there’s areas to improve for the bright future ahead of me.

Hanoch Anil, 7F