Showcasing creative talent and innovation

The success of the school’s arts and technology curriculum was on full display. Everything from abstract portraits to textiles adorned classroom after classroom.

One room held a collection of upcycled clothing and apparel, which students had put together as part of a sustainability elective.

“It’s something I came up with because everything is so ‘throw away’ now, that we should be recycling and being more proactive in that space,” teacher Carolyn White, who foresaw the environmental and educational benefits from teaching her students how to transform trash into treasure, said.

“I think they look at objects differently into the future, and think ‘well, what could I do with this?’

“And they’re a little more creative with their thought processes as well,” she said.

Her students’ major assessment this term was to create a project of their own choosing, with the caveat that they use recycled material and learn a new skill.

Quickly, students learned how to use a sewing machine, having discovered the full extent of its usefulness.

“We’ve used calf and chook feed bags for shopping bags; we’ve used jeans for bags and iPod holders, and broken tiles for the mosaics,” Ms White said.

Meanwhile, families had a glimpse inside the technology department, which stores the school’s state-of-the-art industrial equipment, including KUKA robotic arms, laser cutters and 3D printers.