Technology and designs on a fabulous future

It often takes people years to discover what really inspires them and pursue the study or career they love. Fortunately for Tahlia Gibson, it was just year two of a biomedical science degree when she realised design was her calling.

“In years 11 and 12 science was really outstanding to me, and when I got into UTS I was really excited to jump into it,” she said.

Follow your passion: Tahlia Gibson has swapped science for design.

“Around the end of last year, I changed my mind. It came down to the fact that design was more my passion than science,” said Gibson, who graduated from St John Bosco College in Engadine in 2021.

Gibson was a high achiever in Design and Technology (D&T) with her HSC major work – Organigo, a sports drink high in natural electrolytes – among the exemplary works selected for the HSC SHAPE showcase in 2022.

She’s now switched to a bachelor of communication design at Torrens University (online) – and is loving it.

“I still don’t know what area of design I will work in – interior, graphic, product – I’m going to dip my toes in each area and then decide what I want to do,” she said.

Gibson warned HSC students to not be seduced by early offers or be swayed by prestigious university courses.

“Your ideas and passions could change during the year and totally change again after your early entry offer,” she said.

“I’ve been getting 100 per cent for [design] assessments. I’m putting in the time and effort. It’s definitely making me excited for the future and confirms what I want to be doing in life.”

Don’t leave assessments and tasks to the last minute and brainstorm ideas with your fellow students.Credit: Janie Barrett

Gibson’s tips for HSC Design and Technology

• Don’t rush major work selection. “Keep a list of every idea that pops into your head and just roll with having a lot of ideas for a while. Later you can refine them and then focus on selecting one.”
• Plan and manage your time. “Obviously in D&T time management is a big thing! Don’t leave things to the last minute.”
• Choose a major work that you are genuinely passionate about. “I trademarked my logo and made some merchandise because I was genuinely invested in my design. I took those extra steps because I was so passionate about what I had created throughout the course.”

Justine Schofield’s recipe for success

TV host and cook Justine Schofield didn’t leave high school with a definite career plan – but she did manage to discover her true passion.

“Food Technology certainly was my favourite subject - I did it from year 7 all the way through to year 12. It was the closest thing I could get to cooking which was what really brought me joy,” Schofield said.

Justine Schofield said HSC Food Technology gave her valuable knowledge in “nutrition and the science behind it”.Credit: Rob Palmer

Fortunately for the legions of Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield fans, the ATAR achieved for her HSC at Santa Sabina College in Strathfield fell short of enabling entry into a planned business degree.

“Instead, I decided to study an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality at TAFE – everything from how to run a hotel to how to fold napkins – which I thoroughly enjoyed,” she said.

“After that I got into a business degree specialising in tourism at uni.”

Renowned for her accessible approach to cooking with a touch of French flair, Schofield said HSC Food Technology gave her valuable knowledge in “nutrition and the science behind it”.

Her first-hand experience of a successful path despite not achieving desired marks was a timely reminder.

“I made lifelong friends at school and for 60 to 80 per cent of those friends, their plans for life after school changed – they went left instead of right.”

Application and hard work have clearly been key to Schofield’s success. Living in Sydney and filming weekly in Melbourne, her program is now in its 12th season – more than 1000 episodes.

“A lot of kids are really worried they won’t get the grades for what they’ve got their heart set on. I still wanted to go to uni and get a business degree – I got there in the end, but I just went about it in a different way,” she said.

“Know that there are so many different paths to get to what you want – always.”

Schofield’s tips for HSC students

• Apply yourself to your study. “Could I have applied myself more? Of course. Always!”
• Balance study and downtime. “We were all quite studious in Year 12 but also knew when it was time to give our brains a break and enjoy our last year. It’s really important to balance study and time to enjoy yourself with family and friends.”
• Talk about it. “It will help you to know that you’re not alone.”

HSC marker advice for Industrial Technology

Ajendra Singh, Head Teacher, Technological & Applied Studies, Fairfield High School

Ajendra Singh is a teacher and HSC marker in Industrial Technology.

Industrial Technology focuses on the importance of design, management and production by engaging students in practical projects; it comprises six focus areas and four content areas.

When revising ensure that you are confident with using appropriate references and examples of the technologies relevant to your focus area.

You must also prioritise all four content areas: industry study of a related business in the focus area; design, management and communication (your folio); production with appropriate references to the major project; and industry related manufacturing technologies.

Work health and safety and personal protective equipment are cornerstones of Industrial Technology. Ensure you can demonstrate your understanding of their importance in both design and manufacturing processes and can seamlessly integrate them into your responses when necessary.

A HSC marker's top dos and don’ts

• Identify keywords or phrases within the question to help provide context and establish a strong foundation on which to build your answer.
• Write clearly and concisely.
• Address the question with the appropriate level of detail for its mark value. If a question is only worth a few marks, focus on the quality of the response as opposed to the quantity.
• Make the most of your reading time by making mental notes of questions that you are confident with and the ones you are not. At the beginning of the exam, jot down main points as a reminder for when you reach these questions to answer them efficiently and expertly.
• Don’t focus heavily on a question you do not understand or have difficulty answering. Move on, then review the question later with a fresh perspective.
• Don’t write long-winded responses which can become confusing or take up valuable exam time.
• Don’t leave a question for later if you have ideas to answer it. You may not have sufficient time to go back to the question or may forget the ideas you had when you return to it.

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