Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay’s Design and Technology class celebrated remarkable success in the 2024 Higher School Certificate (HSC), with five students earning state-level recognition. Among them, Travis King claimed First in Course, while Jude Crawford ranked eighth in the state. Three additional students secured spots on the Distinguished Achievers List.
Teacher Elyte Blansjaar, leading the subject for the first time, credited the achievements to her students’ determination and commitment.
“All the students were very determined to create their ideas,” Blansjaar said. “They put in the effort and worked hard to refine their initial ideas to produce strong projects at the end.”
Travis King’s standout project addressed the growing issue of digital distraction. His mobile phone lockbox featured a unique mechanical flower that bloomed after a pre-set period, signalling that phones were accessible again. The design, combining functionality with aesthetics, reflected King’s problem-solving mindset.
“I didn’t think I’d be first in the state, which is pretty exciting,” King said.
Heading to UNSW to study mechanical engineering, King shared that the subject’s practical nature motivated him.
“It’s the most hands-on subject I did, plus we got to use cool technology like laser cutters and 3D printers,” he explained. “I’m also interested in the manufacturing aspects of product development, which is why I’m interested in mechanical engineering.”
Blansjaar described the subject’s unique challenges, highlighting the need for creativity and resilience.
Importance of open-mindedness and starting early
“Students need to be willing to dive deep into the research rabbit hole and to have an open mind,” she said. “One of the hardest aspects of the subject for students is finding something they really want to do which also meets the problem-solving nature of the brief. They also need to not be afraid of making mistakes.”
Felix Howard-Griffiths, another high-achieving student, developed a flexible, sustainable architectural design for student accommodation. His project, adaptable for new or existing sites, demonstrated both environmental awareness and a sophisticated understanding of design principles.
Blansjaar praised his dedication. “Even though we don’t have the architectural skills in our staff, Felix’s passion and independent effort got him through,” she said.
To future students, Blansjaar emphasised the importance of starting major projects early, using the summer to conceptualise ideas and refine prototypes.
“The earlier they start refining and prototyping, the stronger their project will be in the end,” she advised.
The accomplishments of the 2024 cohort underscore the value of creativity, persistence, and resourcefulness in Design and Technology, setting a high standard for future students at the school.