Cam’s Technology Centre Official Opening at Hunter High

The Aspect Hunter school officially opened their new technology centre last week. Read Principal Lara Cheney's speech on the day to learn more about the new installation:

"Today we officially opened our new technology centre. When we commenced our high school program here at Thornton in 2019, we had 14 students enrolled. The program has grown considerably, with 60 students expected to be enrolled in years 7 to 12 in 2023, along with our Port Macquarie and Distance Education High School students we will have a total enrolment of 100 high school students next year.

When students transition to high school they should have new and exciting learning opportunities. High school should look and feel different to primary school. Students build longer term friendships, their relationships with educators change, they have input into decisions that affect them and develop their network to support transition to post school life.

When we built the high school we envisioned a dynamic, individualised program focused on co-design to deliver a rich and diverse program. Our students work towards mainstream and life skills outcomes which lead to a range of aspirations including; further studies with Tafe or University, employment and meaningful inclusion in their local community. To support these aspirations we need dedicated spaces to deliver the program.

Each student has their own class and some access Owen’s Cottage to engage in Food Technology. The establishment of the tech centre is timely as we have maximised the use of all other spaces available and offers an alternate teaching and learning space to engage in the practical components of the courses. We are fortunate to benefit from ongoing community support.

The major supporters for the development of this facility are Geoffrey and Maureen Barnett. I’d like to thank them for their support and patience in building the centre. Their connection to our school is through one of our Year 12 students, Campbell Lavering, and so have decided to name the centre ‘Cam’s Technology Centre’. We also owe gratitude to Michelle and Shane Finlay who over a number of years held the Darby Day event which raised considerable funds and to our Parents and Friends and regular community supports. Funds for the fit out of the centre have been provided by Sargents Charity and Western Suburbs Leagues Club.

So, what will we use Cam’s tech centre for? Kazany, our work education teacher, as part of our Greater Charitable Foundation Work Education and Work Skills program will move into this space. Kazany will deliver the work education curriculum to students in Years 9 to 12, parts of the Food Technology course, TVET course in Work Skills and electives agriculture and design for Years 11 & 12. Year 7 & 8 students will be taught mandatory technology in the centre.

The garden shed next to the centre will hold the resources for the range of courses that will be delivered in the centre so it can be used for a wide range of purposes.We are incredibly proud of our high school program and seeing our students develop their knowledge and skills and build confidence to challenge themselves and engage in a wide range of experiences brings us so much joy."

(Lara Cheney, Principal, Aspect Hunter School)