Both class 8 and class 9 Woodwork students have been very productive in Semester one despite the extreme temperatures delaying our practical work outdoors.  We began the year with interpreting engineering drawings and developing drawing communication skills to produce a plan for our projects. 

Class 8 

For the first project, students produced a 6 x 4 Photo Frame out of beautifully featured Tasmanian Oak. Students used a more traditional range of tools and production techniques to rebate and mitre their pieces, rather than relying on power tools to do the hard work for them. 

For their second project students were tasked with designing and producing a clock. With the clock mechanism as the only constraint, students were free to design any clock shape they wanted, choosing from a wide range of timbers. The creativity and work ethic of the class was most impressive, which was evident in the beautiful clocks produced this term. 

Class 9 

For the first project students produced a Pencil Box from their choice of timber. Again, the focus was to produce their boxes using as many hand tools as possible but increasing their exposure to some new power tools.  

For their second project students produced a CO2 powered car. The aim of this project is multifaceted, designing within strict engineering constraints, consideration of aerodynamics, aesthetics, timber selection, carving and shaping, and applying an enamel finish. All of this culminated in a small car that accommodates a CO2 gas cannister which propels the car down a 20m track at great speed, usually between 2 and 3 seconds! The race will take place next term when the other class 9 group has completed their cars, which is something we all look forward to. 

Simon Griffiths

Design & Technology Teacher