In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Madritsch, a woodwork teacher from Mullumbimby High School in NSW and the creator of The Woodwork Camp. We discuss the challenges facing woodwork teachers today, particularly with the increasing number of out-of-area teachers stepping into the workshop, and how well-structured resources can make a real difference.
Aaron shares his journey in developing video-based instructional resources and detailed project plans to help students work independently while supporting teachers in delivering effective, hands-on lessons.
Key Topics Discussed
🔹 The Need for Better Woodwork Teaching Resources
Many schools struggle to find qualified woodwork teachers, leading to out-of-area teachers taking on the role with little experience. Aaron shares his first-hand experience and the solutions he’s created.
🔹 Encouraging Student Independence in the Workshop
We explore how structured project plans and short instructional videos allow students to take ownership of their learning, reducing reliance on constant teacher intervention.
🔹 Bringing Digital Learning into Woodwork Classes
Aaron talks about how integrating digital resources—such as mounted iPads, laptops, or shared screens—helps students revisit steps without needing repeated demonstrations.
🔹 The Challenges of Teaching Woodwork in Schools Today
From safety concerns to limited curriculum support, we discuss the key difficulties that woodwork teachers face and how they can be addressed with the right resources.
🔹 Practical Advice for New & Out-of-Area Teachers
Aaron provides insights for teachers new to woodwork, offering guidance on how to manage a workshop, teach practical skills, and keep students engaged.
Links and Resources:
The Woodwork Camp Website: www.thewoodworkcamp.com
Email Aaron Madritsch: aaron.madritsch1@gmail.com
Follow Aaron on [Social Media if applicable]
Connect With Us:
- Host: Stephen Anderson podcast@dattaqld.org.au
About the Bridge Building Podcast
“This is the place where we dissect and then discover the many ways ITD teachers all over this country are using their passion to create passionate students. We talk of measuring and manipulating a multitude of materials of design and divergent thought, of creation with our minds and with our hands. And most of all, we talk of growing great young people because of course that is what we do.”
So what does that mean other than I like to show off my alliteration skills? Since coming back to teaching a few years ago the thing that strikes me most, and frankly scared me most is how lonely this job is. How little we know about what is happening in our subject area. The classroom next door, a class in the next school, let alone the next town are a mystery to me. I know there are teachers out there doing incredible things and this (the podcast) is a way for me to find out and be inspired. I would like to invite you along to listen and learn, to be inspired by some of the sensational teachers I speak to on the “Bridge Building Podcast – from technology to the trades”
About the Podcast Host
Stephen Anderson is a Design Technology, Trade Training and accidental Science teacher at a small high school 2 hours North West of Brisbane.
Over To You
If you know someone who is doing something spectacular or just great fun in design and tech or in trade training, I would love to know about them.
Contact me through my email osaerial@gmail.com
Music by:
Viola Pink
My favourite busker from the Nanango markets.