New Engineering Studies course Mazenod College, Lesmurdie
An electrical/electronics focus for the Engineering Studies course has proven a big hit at Mazenod College in Lesmurdie.
Teacher Ralph Bradstreet said the course, which is one of the new courses introduced into Year 11 this year as part of the new Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), is flexible and therefore appeals to both tertiary and TAFE-bound students.
“The modularised nature of the courses offers a variety of learning experiences,” he said.
“The course builds on the electronics experience our students gained in lower secondary school and encourages them to consider the aspects of design which will enable them to meet their project requirements.
“The students’ first project was to build a power supply and the second project will centre on wind generation.
Mazenod College Engineering studies student Andrew Moulin.
“Students recognise the new course provides them with an opportunity to earn tertiary entry points in a subject they really enjoy and TAFE-bound students enhance their entry prospects by a proven interest in an electrical/electronics course.
“In addition, apprenticeship prospects are greatly enhanced by furthering skills and knowledge in the electrical/electronics trades.”
“This year there was strong interest in the course. Forty-three students applied for just 17 places and entry to the course was based on a brief interview.”
Mr Bradstreet said the course has been so popular that next year the school will be offering both 1A/1B and 2A/2B.
Student Nathan Offin (16) designed and built a 40-watt stereo amplifier for his power supply project.
“The course, which is my favourite, offers a good combination of practical and theoretical work.”
Student Andrew Moulin (16) said he enjoyed the problem-solving involved in the course.
“My passion is electrics and I’m interested in a career in IT or electronics. I recognise that we need the theory to understand the practical and that’s what has made the course so successful,” Andrew said.
“Next year we will build a GPS tracker and each get a radio licence, which will be a good skill to add to our CVs.”
Mr Bradstreet said he expected the course to improve with time and teacher experience.
“Time will show those tasks which best illustrate outcome performance while maximising student enjoyment and learning.”
Curriculum Council curriculum officer, Andy Briggs, commended Mazenod College engineering students on their motivation and thorough knowledge of electrical and electronics principles.
“When I visited the school I was able to see a strong application of the practical and societal applications of the students’ work,” Mr Briggs said.
“The students are fortunate to have a teacher who is an electrical and electronics expert and the high standard of their work reflects his teaching skills.
“The students are now working on the development of powerful wind generators and they are thoroughly enjoying their work.”
