Episode Overview
Stephen Anderson launches the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference Series in Episode 78, recorded on April 28 and 30, 2025, with design educators Justine Hawkins and Wayne van den Bos. This episode previews their June 20 sessions at the DATTA QLD Conference, offering a sneak peek into practical tools and syllabus updates for design and technology teachers. Justine shares her passion for fashion and textiles, detailing workshops on drawing soft furnishings and a discussion on Year 10 design courses. Wayne, a syllabus co-writer, unpacks assessment changes, a new IA1 template, and innovative unit sequencing. Stephen ties it all together with his own teaching experiences, making this a must-listen for educators gearing up for the June 19–20 conference at Villanova College. Plus, get details on registering and nominating for the 2025 Teacher Excellence and Service Awards!
Key Topics Discussed
- Justine Hawkins’ Workshops: Techniques for drawing soft interiors and fashion garments with the “Illustrate” tool; strategies for building Year 10 design courses.
- Wayne van den Bos’ Session: Updates to IA1, IA2, and IA3 in the senior syllabus, a new IA1 template, and tips for tight word limits and unit sequencing.
- Year 10 Design Importance: Strengthening junior programs to boost senior enrollment, inspired by Stephen’s school experiences.
- Conference Details: June 19–20, 2025, at Villanova College; register via DATTA QLD.
- Awards Nominations: Teacher Excellence and Service to Design & Technology Education Awards, due May 31, 2025.
Links and Resources
- Cleveland State High School: www.clevelandshs.eq.edu.au
- DATTA Queensland: www.dattaqld.org.au
- Conference Registration: www.dattaqld.org.au/conference (Check for updates)
- Awards Nomination Form: www.dattaqld.org.au/awards
- 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.