It has been an incredibly productive term in Design and Technology at Balaklava High School, with students from Years 8 to 12 showcasing creativity, craftsmanship and reflective learning as they move toward the end of the year. Across every year level, students have demonstrated growing confidence in both digital design and hands-on workshop skills, producing impressive, industry-standard results.

Year 8 – From Wooden Toys to Welded Sculptures

Our Year 8 students have had a remarkable year of growth. They recently completed their wooden toy design project, proudly displayed at the Balaklava Show. Each toy was designed around imaginative play and built to suit a specific design brief for early childhood settings. The creativity and problem-solving on display were outstanding.

Earlier in the term, students also constructed mini picnic tables, which showcased excellent teamwork and craftsmanship. Now they are learning the fundamentals of oxy-acetylene welding, exploring how discarded steel can be up-cycled into creative sculptures. This project deepens their understanding of sustainability, design thinking and safe workshop practice.

Year 9 – Racing into Engineering

Year 9 students recently completed their CO₂ dragster project, designing, testing and racing aerodynamic wooden cars made from Radiata Pine. This task highlighted key STEM principles including aerodynamics, iteration and peer feedback — while igniting some friendly competition!

Building on this momentum, students are now mastering oxy welding before progressing to sheet-metal fabrication, where they will design and construct their own metal tool trays. These projects develop precision, confidence and real-world understanding of engineering processes.

Year 10 – Industry Skills in Action

Our Year 10 students began the term with the creation of cord winders, refining their joinery and accuracy skills while producing functional, well-finished products. They have since moved on to designing and manufacturing drinks racks, integrating creativity with advanced workshop techniques.

Each student has also produced 3D CAD models and industry-standard drawings before fabrication, a valuable bridge between digital design and practical application that mirrors real-world industry practice.

Year 11 – Building Skills for the Future

The Year 11 class is focused on metal fabrication, developing their technical ability through the design and construction of custom metal toolboxes. This project strengthens their understanding of measurement, cutting and assembly techniques while reinforcing the importance of safety, precisioN and independent problem-solving.

Year 12 – The Art of Design Excellence

Our Year 12 students are currently finalising their Entertainment Table projects in line with the SACE Stage 2 Assessment Type 2 guidelines. Each student has already completed their Assessment Type 3 external task, demonstrating design innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. Their tables is a result of months of planning, testing and refinement, reflecting an exceptional standard of workmanship and pride.

Sustainability & Reflection

Across all year levels, students have also investigated the sustainability of materials, examining the sourcing and environmental impact of timber and metals. This focus on ethical and sustainable design has encouraged thoughtful reflection on how their creative choices connect to the broader world of manufacturing and design.

Balaklava High’s Design and Technology program continues to provide students with meaningful, skill-based learning experiences that foster innovation, resilience and pride. Whether crafting wooden toys, racing CO₂ cars, welding steel, or designing furniture to professional standards, students are proving that creativity and craftsmanship are alive and thriving in the workshop.