Mini-motorbikes make engineering a hit at St Luke's College, Karratha
The research, design and development of mini-motorbikes has enhanced the popularity of the new Engineering Studies course at St Luke's College in Karratha.
Engineering Studies is one of the new courses introduced as part of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
The school's head of technology and enterprise, Glenn Jones, said the task of developing 14 mini-bikes has proven so popular that he regularly makes the school workshop available to students at the weekend.
(left to right) St Luke's College Engineering Studies teacher Glenn Jones, Nikita Olivier, Matthew Watkins, and Jared Sopp.
"As part of the Engineering Studies course, students investigated issues such as engineering in society, safety issues in the workshop and the potential for reckless use of mini-bikes to damage the environment," Mr Jones said.
"Students have been highly enthusiastic about the project. They have used fabricating skills to weld frames, metal lathes to machine-up axles and made jigs to mass produce components," he said.
"As an example of their problem-solving skills, students approached Pilbara College of TAFE to access a profile cutter to cut sprocket attachments.
"Students have also learned valuable lessons in teamwork, as everyone contributes to the end task."
Mr Jones said students in traditional common assessment framework (CAF) subjects usually worked on exactly the same task during a class, however the new Engineering Studies course allowed high achieving students to take on additional tasks.
He said a nice spin-off of the mini-bike project was that most students' fathers were so interested in the end product that it strengthened the relationship between father and student.
"Half the students divide their time between school and TAFE, where they are doing a Certificate I in Engineering," Mr Jones said.
"The course is preparing students for a variety of pathways including apprenticeship opportunities with local companies such as Pilbara Iron and Woodside, as well as university entry."
Curriculum Council curriculum officer, Andy Briggs, commended St Lukes College and teacher Glenn Jones for delivering a high standard Engineering Studies course.
"Glenn Jones has shown outstanding dedication and great organisational skills in delivering the course," Mr Briggs said.
"In particular, Mr Jones has demonstrated an excellent application of mathematical and engineering principles to create metal linkages and mechanical systems."
